"One moment," replied the old man; "the recompense which you refuse I must force upon you."
He pulled forth a large folded parchment.
"This is the ransom of my daughter," he said: "it is a regular deed of gift of the Valley of the Deer."
"What!" cried the outlaw, with singular emotion.
"Yes, and here on the map is a red mark, indicating the spot where what you know of is concealed."
"Accept without scruple, captain," said François Berger; "it is ours and ours alone to give."
"Since you wish it, gentlemen. I should show but ill grace to refuse, the more that I value your gift highly."
"I only ask one thing in return," said the old man.
"I shall be ready to promise anything."
"You will use what I have given you only with an honourable—" he said, with some hesitation.