"Gaston."
"Monsieur?"
"Quick, man, come in here."
He took the slow, surly fellow into the parlour, poured him out a glass of wine, and began to talk decisively and quickly. Gaston listened, sipping his wine, and staring at De Rothan with the intelligence of a shrewd and ugly dog.
"You can trust me, monsieur."
"It will not be for nothing."
"No, no, one does not risk one's neck for nothing."
"You know Rush Heath Hall; we have often ridden that way. Saddle a horse at once, and take this letter to Mr. Jasper Benham. Give it to none but him. Answer no questions. Wait for him if he is not at home."
"Yes, monsieur."
"I will look to things here. François and Jean will obey you, if needs be?"