Father Lamormain was a little disappointed in this exuberant young officer, who went off into mere platitudes. But there was an element of persistence in his nature.
"You have doubtless come some distance to Vienna?" he went on. "I inferred from what you said just now that you had business in the palace, and I happened to notice that one of the Emperor's gentlemen brought you hither; and I know, I think I may say, all the people who dwell therein." He indicated the palace with his hand. "So I judged you to be a stranger. Did you have a peaceful journey?"
"On the whole it was so!" said the Scot.
"You had peradventure an encounter with robbers?"
"If it could be called so, an encounter! Two men set upon me in the dark as I slept, and having bound and gagged me, ransacked my holsters, my saddle-bags, my clothes, and went away having taken nothing."
"And did you not see their faces, hear their voices?"
"Neither sight nor sound!"
"And you accomplished your errand successfully?"
"Quite, Father!"
"You were either very astute or very fortunate! You will doubtless be employed again. Now let me introduce myself. I am Father Lamormain, the Emperor's confessor."