“I threaten nothing,” I stammered, interrupting. Then firmly I added, “Be seated, and allow me to explain.”
Slowly he sank again into his chair in obedience to my command, and I told him briefly that Zoraida had saved my life, that she had become my fiancée, and that I intended to effect her liberty.
“You’re mad!” he ejaculated at last. “How can this declaration of your intentions to defeat the ends of justice interest me? I’m not governor of the gaol.”
“No. But you, M’sieur de Largentière, are Governor-General of Algeria, and in your hands lies the supreme power—the power of life and death.”
“Supreme power for what?”
“To effect her escape.”
“To connive at the liberty of a person who admits crimes that have from time to time startled the world! Bah! For months, nay, years, our troops have been hunting this band of freebooters, and now at last, when the leaders are in our hands, it is very likely, indeed, that I, of all men, should sign an order for her release!” and he laughed derisively as he twisted his moustache.
“I do not desire you to commit yourself in the eyes of your Government and the public by appending your signature to such a document. Might she not escape—vanish from Algiers, suddenly—eh?”
“Absurd!” he cried impetuously, with flashing eyes. “I must really request you to end this interview. If you have any complaint of your treatment while in Algeria, you had better lodge information with your consul. He will deal with it. I have neither desire nor intention of being bothered over your love-affairs. You request the release of the leader of a robber band. Ma foi! you will next try to bribe me with some of the stolen booty!”
“I shall not bribe you, m’sieur,” I answered defiantly, with suppressed anger, advancing to the table and bending towards him. “But you will, nevertheless, arrange that Zoraida will obtain her freedom—to-night.”