lency, and I cannot be sufficiently grateful for such a
proof of your goodness."

Bigot laughed a dry, meaning laugh. "I truly hope you will always think
so of my friendship, De Pean. If you do not, you are not the man I take
you to be. Now for our scheme of deliverance!

"Hearken, De Pean," continued the Intendant, fixing his dark, fiery eyes
upon his secretary; "you have craft and cunning to work out this design
and good will to hasten it on. Cadet and I, considering the necessities
of the Grand Company, have resolved to put an end to the rivalry and
arrogance of the Golden Dog. We will treat the Bourgeois," Bigot smiled
meaningly, "not as a trader with a baton, but as a gentleman with a
sword; for, although a merchant, the Bourgeois is noble and wears a
sword, which under proper provocation he will draw, and remember he
can use it too! He can be tolerated no longer by the gentlemen of the
Company. They have often pressed me in vain to take this step, but now
I yield. Hark, De Pean! The Bourgeois must be INSULTED, CHALLENGED, and
KILLED by some gentleman of the Company with courage and skill enough
to champion its rights. But mind you! it must be done fairly and in open
day, and without my knowledge or approval! Do you understand?"

Bigot winked at De Pean and smiled furtively, as much as to say, "You
know how to interpret my words."

"I understand your Excellency, and it shall be no fault of mine if your
wishes, which chime with my own, be not carried out before many days. A
dozen partners of the Company will be proud to fight with the Bourgeois
if he will only fight with them."

"No fear of that, De Pean! give the devil his due. Insult the Bourgeois
and he will fight with the seven champions of Christendom! so mind you
get a man able for him, for I tell you, De Pean, I doubt if there be
over three gentlemen in the Colony who could cross swords fairly and
successfully with the Bourgeois."

"It will be easier to insult and kill him in a chance medley than to
risk a duel!" interrupted Cadet, who listened with intense eagerness.
"I tell you, Bigot, young Philibert will pink any man of our party. If
there be a duel he will insist on fighting it for his father. The old
Bourgeois will not be caught, but we shall catch a Tartar instead, in
the young one."

"Well, duel or chance medley be it! I dare not have him assassinated,"
replied the Intendant. "He must be fought with in open day, and not
killed in a corner. Eh,