"What are men to him? Cattle, which he can buy. But to us, they are priceless. To say nothing of your rank, Edelwald, you alone are worth more than all the armies D'Aulnay can muster."
He sheltered his face with one hand as if the fire scorched him.
"My lady, Sieur Charles would have us hold this place. Consider: it is his last fortress except that stockade."
"You mistake him, Edelwald. He would save the garrison and let the fort go. If he or you had not come to-night I must have died of my troubles."
She conquered some sobbing, and asked, "How does he bear this despair, Edelwald? for he knew it must come to this without help."
"He was heartsick with anxiety to return, my lady."
She leaned against the back of the settle.
"Do not say things to induce me to sacrifice his men for his fort."
"Do you think, my lady, that D'Aulnay would spare the garrison if he gets possession of this fort?"
"On no other condition will he get the fort. He shall let all my brave men go out with the honors of war."