Sergius Thord noticed his annoyance.
“There is nothing remarkable in that, my friend!” he interposed—“We all carry arms,—there is not one of us at this table who has not a loaded pistol,—even Lotys is no exception to this rule.”
“Now by my word!” said Graub, “I have no loaded pistol,—and I will swear Leroy is equally unarmed!”
“Entirely so!” said Leroy quietly—“I never suspect any man of evil intentions towards me.”
As he said this, Lotys leaned forward impulsively and stretched out her hand,—a beautiful hand, well-shaped and white as a white rose petal.
“I like you for that!”—she said—“It is the natural attitude of a brave man!”
A slight colour warmed his bronzed skin as he took her hand, pressed it gently, and let it go again. Axel Regor looked up defiantly.
“Well, I do suspect every man of evil intentions!” he said, “So you may all just as well know the worst of me at once! My experience of life has perhaps been exceptionally unpleasant; but it has taught me that as a rule no man is your friend till you have made it worth his while!”
“By favours bestowed, or favours to come?” queried Thord, smiling,—“However, without any argument, Axel Regor, I am inclined to think you are right!”
“Then a weapon is permissible here?” asked Graub.