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"Pouf!" I uard-lines drawn so closely Besides, I know little about the way of ships; how they are arranged within, or even along the open decks We meet them not in the backwoods, so this is an adventure little to my taste It would hardly be prudent, even could I obtain safe footing there, to atte a trail in the dark when I knew not where it led I ht, or else procure a guide This Father Cassati ht answer Is he one to trust?"

The priest turned his head aith a quick gesture of indignant dissent

"Nay!" he exclaimed emphatically "He must never be approached upon such a h with all men to their faces; the words of his mouth are as honey; yet he would be true to none It is not according to the canons of our Order for ive utterance to truth as I know it in the sight of God Not even the Spaniards themselves have faith in him He has not been permitted to set foot upon shore since first he went aboard"

"And you have no plan, no suggestion to offer for uidance?"

"Mon Dieu, no!" he cried dra"

"And you, Madae chair, her fine dark eyes eagerly searching my face

"It rests wholly with you," she said solemnly, "and God"

Twice, three times, I paced slowly across the floor in anxious reflection; each ti eyes It was love calling to e far more effective than speech; at last, I paused and faced her

"Mada to falter with the intensity ofyou do not expect too much from me Your appeal has been made to a sies, 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 se to aideither to succeed or fail But it would be wrong, Madae 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 purposeyou pray fervently to that end--you er be what it o forward blindly, seeking so 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 ain in person before nightfall, but in any case, and whatever happens, try to believe that I a all I can with such brains as I possess, and that I countin your service"