“Then you are——?”
“The gentleman whose purse you kindly relieved him of a few weeks ago in England.”
“Impossible!” I cried.
“Impossible, but true, Monsieur. I recognized you when I met you last week at Varesi’s”—the name of a popular gambling resort—“I wasn’t quite sure, however. At least, I had no proof until last night. This ring? You remember taking it?”
“Oh, perfectly,” I said.
“And this louis?” He pulled out the curiously marked coin. “A pocket piece I have had for a long time. I should know it among a thousand.”
“You have established your case,” I answered defiantly. “You understand that I am no common thief or highwayman? I am an American naval officer. Serving under Cunningham on a privateer, I was captured, thrown into prison, escaped. Being penniless in the enemy’s country I determined to take the purse of the first traveler who came along. I took you for an Englishman. When I knew you were French, it was too late. I can only say that I will give you another I. O. U. for all that I have despoiled you of, and so soon as I can communicate with America you shall have the money.”
The Marquis showed his white teeth in a grin—how I loathed him!—waving his hands as he did so.
“As to that, we will discuss it presently. Meanwhile, what did you do with the papers you robbed me of in England?”
“Tore them to pieces and scattered them in the first river I crossed.”