urposed remaining behind, arranging for myself as best I might; but
now that we have met, to be perfectly frank about it, I retain no
confidence in your discretion which will warrant the risk. I therefore
decide we had better abide together until this venture be done."

He smiled, apparently in rare good humor at my words.

"No doubt it will prove best, my friend. Your wider knowledge should
supplement my boyish enthusiasm," he responded with mocking bow. "I
rather suspect, from outward appearance, you may be some years my
junior, yet in life experience I readily yield you the palm. So lead
on, most noble Captain; from henceforth command me as your devoted
follower. And now, your excellency, I trust you will pardon if I
venture the inquiry, what would you have your humble servant do?"

I permitted him to ramble along as he pleased. Now I had won his
pledge I cared little for the nature of his raillery. While he talked
I flung open the great chest upon which I had been sitting, and
discovering it packed with clothing, hastily dragged the various
articles forth, flinging them into the lower berth, covering the pile
with blankets in such a manner that they resembled the sleeping figure
of a man. Then I turned toward him.

"My first order, Monsieur, is that you get in here."

"_Sacre_! not I--"

There came a quick, firm footstep sounding along the passageway
without; then a hand fell heavily upon the latch of the door.

CHAPTER VIII

FAVORED OF THE GODS

It seemed as if my heart must choke me at sound of those steady
footsteps approaching down the passageway. I heard the sharp click of
a gun-barrel in the sentry's hand as he presented arms, then the noise
of the uplifting latch, yet remained so paralyzed by the suddenness of
it as to be fairly helpless, unable to move from my position. De Noyan
merely smiled lazily, as though this new act formed part of the play,
beginning calmly to roll another cigarette.

"The devil came likewise," he murmured lightly, sinking back upon his
stool. "Begin your paternosters, friend Benteen, or he will fly away
with both of us."

Fortunately these mocking words brought me to my senses quickly enough
to permit dropping upon my knees with back to the door before it swung
wide open. Nor did I trust myself to do aught save mumble inarticulate
and mongrel Latin, until it had been safely closed again. Had I sought
to exercise my wits on this occasion, my companion p