I handed the document which he had withdrawn from his pocket to the Earl. Bellamont’s face took on an expression of surprise as he read. Suddenly he exclaimed:
“Why, this is the title to your estate of Hanging Rock.”
“Yes, it is that,” answered the patroon. “I know that it is your desire to recall the lavish grants of your predecessor; and I have come to see, in spite of my former acts, that they are a danger to the safety of the province. Therefore I have brought myself to the point of resigning my claim into your hands, hoping thereby to make some amends for what I have done in the past times to oppose the purpose of your administration. I have brought my household with me, armed and at your service, and I pray that you will receive them into the fort, subject them to your own officers, and let me repair to my home until you have disposed of my title as the welfare of the province prompts you.”
Van Volkenberg had spoken with calmness and respect; but for the moment I was in doubt whether the governor with his strong prejudices would trust him. He did not know, of course, as I did, what had prompted the patroon to this act of humility and grace. However, after a few minutes’ hesitation, the Earl thanked him cordially. He consulted with his advisers and they came to the conclusion that it would be best to accept the offer of the patroon. The fact that he himself would return to his manor-house for the time being and leave the command of the troops wholly to the governor won them over. They all shook hands with him, and Bellamont thanked him again for the way in which he had come to the rescue of the city.
“We shall let bygones be bygones,” he said. “We have had our quarrel. To-morrow there will be a meeting of my council at the usual hour, at which I hope you will be present.”
For just a moment there seemed likely to be an interruption in store for us. Louis, who had not shared my conversation with the Earl, seemed amazed. His eyes stood out like knobs. His great misshapen mouth opened. He threw back his head with that weird contortion of his face that preceded his peculiar, ghastly laugh. I caught in my reins lest my horse should startle at the sound. But Louis subsided slowly without a laugh and took on again that solemn look of acquiescence.
“A mere freak of his,” said the patroon in explanation. “A curiosity of mine, but he means no harm.”
With that they parted harmoniously and we three, the patroon, Louis and I, rode back to the manor-house. We who had gone into town in such pomp returned alone without a man to bear us company. And a hundred and fifty of the best troops of the province were in the fort, ready to guard it against attack.
Later that evening, Louis Van Ramm was nowhere to be found. The patroon seemed alarmed at his henchman’s absence.
“He has never left me without permission before, St. Vincent. Did he say anything to you?”