"This is it," replied Ayrton. "You desire to know from me certain circumstances which may be useful to you. I desire to obtain from you certain advantages which will be valuable to me. Now, I will make an exchange, my lord. Do you agree or not?"
"What are these circumstances?" asked Paganel, quickly.
"No," corrected Glenarvan: "what are these advantages?"
Ayrton bowed, showing that he understood the distinction.
"These," said he, "are the advantages for which I petition. You still intend, my lord, to deliver me into the hands of the English authorities?"
"Yes, Ayrton; it is only justice."
"I do not deny it," replied the quartermaster. "You would not consent, then, to set me at liberty?"
Glenarvan hesitated before answering a question so plainly asked. Perhaps the fate of Harry Grant depended upon what he was about to say. However, the feeling of duty towards humanity prevailed, and he said:
"No, Ayrton, I cannot set you at liberty."
"I do not ask it," replied the quartermaster, proudly.