"Messire Captain, I am your very humble servant."
"To the point! What are you at La Roque, and what do you want with me?"
"Messire, I am now caretaker of the fortress in the cliff. I hold the keys and am responsible for its custody."
"And what brings you here?"
"Messire, I am willing to let you in."
"Ah! On what terms?"
"Messire—I trust to your generosity."
"That is not a usual mode of doing business. Why do you come to me? Why betray your trust? There is a reason—is it money? I will pay. What do you demand?"
"I ask no money."
"Then in Heaven's name what do you want?"