"Monseigneur," said Martin-Guerre, "this is our man."
"Oh, yes!" said Gabriel; "so you are Anselme the fisherman, of whom Martin-Guerre has spoken to me?" he added, turning to the new-comer.
"Yes, Monseigneur, I am Anselme the fisherman," was the reply.
"Do you know the service in which we desire your aid?" asked Vicomte d'Exmès.
"Your squire has told me, Monseigneur; and I am ready."
"Martin-Guerre ought also to have told you," continued Gabriel, "that in this expedition your life will be in danger as will our own."
"Oh," rejoined the fisherman, "he had no need to tell me that; for I knew it as well as he, or even better."
"And still you came?" said Gabriel.
"Here I am, at your service," Anselme replied.
"Very good, my friend; it is the deed of a noble heart."