Claude was then questioned. He told his story fully and frankly as has already been stated. After a severe questioning, he was allowed to sit down, and Père Michel was then summoned.
Père Michel was first asked what he knew about the prisoner. The priest answered, simply,—
"Everything."
"What do you mean? Go on and tell what you know about him."
Père Michel hesitated for a moment, and then, looking at Claude, with a face expressive of the deepest emotion, he said in a low voice,—
"He is my son."
At this declaration amazement filled all present. Claude was affected most of all. He started to his feet, and stood gazing at Père Michel with wonder and incredulity.
[Image: Claude In His Father's Arms.]
"I don't understand," said Cazeneau; "at any rate, this shows that he is a low-born adventurer."
At this Père Michel turned to Cazeneau, and said,—