o a simple frontiersman, unskilled in
war except with savages, and it is hardly probable I shall be able to
outwit the trained guardsmen of Spain. Yet this I will say: I have
determined to venture all at your desire. As I possess small skill or
knowledge to aid me, I shall put audacity to the front, permitting
sheer daring either to succeed or fail. But it would be wrong, Madame,
for me to encourage you with false expectation. I deem it best to be
perfectly frank, and I do not clearly see how this rescue is to be
accomplished. I can form no definite plan of action; all I even hope
for is, that the good God will open up a path, showing me how such
desperate purpose may be accomplished. If this prove true--and I beg
you pray fervently to that end--you may trust me to accept the
guidance, let the personal danger be what it may. But I cannot plan,
cannot promise--I can only go forward blindly, seeking some opening not
now apparent. This alone I know, to remain here in conversation is
useless. I must discover means by which I may reach the 'Santa Maria'
and penetrate below her deck if possible. That is my first object, and
it alone presents a problem sufficient to tax my poor wits to the
uttermost. So all I dare say now, Madame, is, that I will use my
utmost endeavor to save your hus--the Chevalier de Noyan. I request
you both remain here--it would be well in prayer--ready to receive, and
obey at once, any message I may need to send. If possible I will visit
you again in person before nightfall, but in any case, and whatever
happens, try to believe that I am doing all I can with such brains as I
possess, and that I count my own life nothing in your service."

However they may sound now, there was no spirit of boasting in these
words. Conceit is not of my nature, and, indeed, at that time I had
small enough faith in myself. I merely sought to encourage the poor
girl with what little hope I possessed, and knew she read the truth
behind those utterances which sounded so brave. Even as I finished she
arose to her feet, standing erect before me, looking a very queen.

"Never will I doubt that, Geoffrey Benteen," she declared impulsively.
"I have seen you in danger, and never forgotten it. If it is any
encouragement to hear it spoken from my lips, know, even as you go
forth from here, that never did woman trust man as I trust you."

The hot blood surged into my face with a madness I retained barely
sufficient st