"Ready?" he asked.
"It is not yet time."
"You stand out for the last minute?"
"A promise is a promise."
"Very good. Be it so. We have a little justice to do among
ourselves, for one of my fellows has been misbehaving.
We have a strict rule of our own which is no respecter of
persons, as de Pombal here could tell you.
Do you truss him and lay him on the faggots, de Pombal, and I
will return to see him die."
De Pombal and the man with the torch entered, while I heard the
steps of the chief passing away. De Pombal closed the door.
"Colonel Gerard," said he, "you must trust this man, for he is
one of my party. It is neck or nothing. We may save you yet.
But I take a great risk, and I want a definite promise. If we
save you, will you guarantee that we have a friendly reception in
the French camp and that all the past will be forgotten?"
"I do guarantee it."
"And I trust your honour. Now, quick, quick, there is not an
instant to lose! If this monster returns we shall die horribly,
all three.
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