The marquis could no longer restrain himself.
"You know where they are?" he excitedly exclaimed.
"No, vicomte, but it cheers me to hear from your words that you yourself do not believe the children are dead."
The marquis bit his lips. He had betrayed himself. Simon shrugged his shoulders and thought in his heart that the marquis was not the proper person to intrust with diplomatic missions for the Society of Jesus.
"Monsieur le Marquis," he hurriedly said, "what is the use of these long discussions? Put the question which concerns you most to the obstinate old man, and if he does not answer, I will make him speak."
"You are right," nodded the marquis; and turning to Pierre again he threateningly said:
"Listen, Pierre Labarre; I will tell you the object of my visit. It is a question of the honor of the Fougereuse."
A sarcastic laugh played about the old man's lips, and half muttering to himself, he repeated:
"The honor of the Fougereuse—I am really curious to know what I shall hear."