"I'm just about to eat myself. Hurry up, steward!" Then, when the man had gone out, Brisson threw his cap on a chair, and resumed. "You wonder maybe why I keep you here?"
"No," said Prelice, stretching himself; "it's all in the game."
"What game?" asked Brisson abruptly.
"The very dangerous one you are playing along with Jadby and your mistress. With Dr. Horace too, for all I know."
"I never met Horace, whoever he may be," retorted Brisson gruffly; "but all I know of the game is that I have to obey orders——"
"If you break owners," finished Prelice, remembering the saying, "and you will break them before you've done."
"None of your larks, my lord. I've got a gun."
"So have I," answered Prelice, "loaded in all six chambers. But you need make no mistake, Brisson. I intend to stop here, and see the game out to the end. Captain Jadby and I have to settle accounts."
"What sort of accounts?"
"Well, Jadby is kidnapping the lady to whom I am engaged. You can't expect me to stand that?"