"You know what I have done to your father," said the freebooter, malignantly. "I will do the same to you."
"And the same fate will befall your daughter—at once," said Jean, decidedly.
The Captain was staggered. He was uneasy. He said sullenly: "For what purpose have you come here?"
"For this," answered Jean. "With your own hand you have let me know where my father is. Unless he be released, and allowed to return with me to Le Peuch, your daughter will perish miserably."
Jean went to the window. The Captain looked suspiciously after him.
"The sun is setting," said the young man. "In an hour it will be gone. Unless before he reappears in the East, unless, to the moment of his rising, my father and I are not returned to Le Peuch safe and sound, it will be too late. Your daughter saw what was done to the old man—what think you of a like fate for her?"
"I do not believe she is in your hands. She is at La Roque."
"Send to La Roque, if you will, and inquire—only remember that will take time, and time is precious. We must be back at Le Peuch before the first spark of the sun reappears, or the deed will be done. Your daughter will be dead."
Le Gros Guillem's face became ashy grey with alarm and rage, commingled with embarrassment.
"Besides," said Jean with composure, "look at the ring. You know that it is taken from her finger."