“What do you come here for?”
“Money.”
“State your errand,” he cried, starting up in anger.
“That is easily done,” answered the dwarf, doggedly, at the same time taking a cautious step or two forward. “Do not get impetuous,” he continued with a sneer. “I have written out all that I know and have left the writing with my friends. I have come to ask what you will give me not to have the seals broken.”
If Louis had expected to find his master a prey to one of his usual fits of rage, he was disappointed. In a moment the patroon had overcome his first outbreak and smiled, leaning back upon the arm of his chair; then he dropped his hand cautiously on the table near the hilt of his sword.
“Now hearken, Kilian Van Volkenberg,” Louis began in an insolent tone. “I know why the Red Band is in the fort, and I know why William Kidd came here last night.”
The patroon had shown no emotion at the mention of the first of these facts, but the second seemed to startle him.
“So you were somewhere near about after all, were you?”
“I was in the bottom of the sideboard last night, and heard you discuss all your plans.”
“You lie,” said the patroon, yet he was calm withal. I could see the shadow of fear in his face, but he gave no sign of it by word or act. “Louis Van Ramm, you lie in your throat.”