There was a little silence, and then Nevers said, slowly: "You are a splendid gentleman."
"There is nothing to make a fuss about," Lagardere said, lightly. "I am this little lady’s soldier. I came here in a cutthroat humor enough, but since I dandled her daintiness in my arms I’ve taken a fine liking for her father."
Nevers reached out his hand to Lagardere. "Henceforward we are comrades—brothers."
Lagardere clasped the extended hand. "Heart and hand, for life and death, brother."
VIII
THE FIGHT IN THE MOAT
As they stood there, hand clasped in hand, exchanging the dateless pledge of brotherhood, they heard the sound of many feet coming cautiously along the road to the bridge. The practised assassins walked catfoot, but there were others that shuffled in their care to go warily.
Nevers said, quietly: "Here come the swords."