“Ay!”
“Then ask nothing, and above all do not quarrel 108 with Cassion. I will tell you everything the moment I can see you safely alone. Until then do not seek me. I have your word?”
He did not answer, for the Commissaire grasped my arm, and thrust himself in between us, his action so swift that the impact of his body thrust De Artigny back a step. I saw the hand of the younger man close on the knife hilt at his belt, but was quick enough to avert the hot words burning his lips.
“A bit rough, Monsieur Cassion,” I cried laughing merrily, even as I released my arm. “Why so much haste? I was near falling, and it was but courtesy which led the Sieur de Artigny to extend me his hand. It does not please me for you to be ever seeking a quarrel.”
There must have been that in my face which cooled him, for his hand fell, and his thin lips curled into sarcastic smile.
“If I seemed hasty,” he exclaimed, “it was more because I was blocked by that boor of a Chevet yonder, and it angered me to have this young gamecock ever at hand to push in. What think you you were employed for, fellow––an esquire of dames? Was there not work enough in the camp yonder, that you must be testing your fancy graces every time a boat lands?”
There was no mild look in De Artigny’s eyes as he fronted him, yet he held his temper, recalling my plea 109 no doubt, and I hastened to step between, and furnish him excuse for silence.
“Surely you do wrong to blame the young man, Monsieur, as but for his aid I would have slipped yonder. There is no cause for hard words, nor do I thank you for making me a subject of quarrel. Is it my tent they erect yonder?”
“Ay,” there was little graciousness to the tone, for the man had the nature of a bully. “’Twas my thought that it be brought for your use; and if Monsieur de Artigny will consent to stand aside, it will give me pleasure to escort you thither.”
The younger man’s eyes glanced from the other’s face into mine, as though seeking reassurance. His hat was instantly in his hand, and he stepped backward, bowing low.