"A truce to further chattering," the stranger resumed in a fierce voice; "how much do you ask to prevent the prisoner escaping until the king's order reaches you?"
"Two hundred thousand livres," the Major answered roughly.
"Was I not right in telling you that it would be expensive?" the stranger said with a grin.
"Dear or not, that is my price, and I shall not bate it."
"Very good, you shall have it."
"When?"
"Tomorrow."
"That will be too late."
"What?" the stranger asked haughtily.
"I said it would be too late," the Major repeated imperturbably.