"There is le Père Wildresse," replied Asticot, naïvely.
"Do you imagine I expect to hire somebody to murder him?"
"M'sieu'—it is but natural."
Warner's laughter died out and his expression altered.
"Come, Asticot, cut away," he said quietly, "or I shall become angry!"
"M'sieu'! Don't drive me away!" he whined. "I know how to wash brushes in black soap——"
"What!"
"Also, I have learned how to stretch toiles and make chassis. I have served in Biribi. My lieutenant amused himself by painting pictures of camels and palms and the setting sun, very red and as full of rays as a porcupine——"
"I don't want you, Asticot! It is noon, now. I shall tell them at the stables to give you a crust and a bowl of soup. After you have sufficiently stuffed yourself, go quietly away wherever you belong, and don't come back——"
"M'sieu'! I entertain a deep affection for M'sieu'——"