No time was to be lost. He had therefore recourse for advice to his boon companion Panet, who pronounced it a bad business.
"Really," he said, moving nervously, "you must recognise, my dear de Léry, that men of our stiffness and weight can have no chance pitted against a young fellow from the fencing schools of Versailles. He has a wrist as limber as a fish no doubt. Try to end the affair some way."
De Léry, annoyed and disappointed that the judge did not rise to the occasion, and thrown back on his own resources, went to Lord Dorchester himself, requesting his mediation.
The Governor read over the letters which had passed, especially that sent by LeCour for signature.
"Tut, what a young fool. Tell LaNaudiere there to send for him," he exclaimed.
So in about half an hour Germain appeared.
Guessing the state of the matter, he began by complaining of his wrongs on the part of the de Lérys. He was listened to to the end by Dorchester, who then, with the greatest politeness, but firmly, pointed out the impossibility of any man of honour signing the proposed confession.
"Do you both agree, gentlemen, to leave the form of the letter with me?"
Germain could not do otherwise.
The Governor sat down at a writing-desk, laid the epistle before him, and produced the following:—