One of the men had a torch which lighted the red pavement. Vigo saw this first.
"Morbleu! is it a shambles?"
"That is wine," I said.
"They spilled wine for effect, they spilled so little blood!" Thus Lucas, speaking with as cool devilry as if he still commanded the situation. Vigo could not know what he meant but he asked no questions; instead, bade Lucas hold his tongue.
"I am dumb," Lucas rejoined, with a mock meekness more insolent than insolence. But we paid it no heed for M. le Comte came forward out of the shadows. He held his head well up but his face was white above his crimsoned doublet.
"M. Étienne! Are you hurt?" shouted Vigo.
"No, but he is." M. le Comte stepped aside to show us Grammont leaning against the wall.
"Ah!" cried Vigo, triumphantly. He and two of the men rushed at Gervais.
"You would not take me so easily but for a cursed knife in my back," Grammont muttered thickly. "For the love of Heaven, Vigo, draw it out."
With amazement Vigo perceived the knife.