He paused a moment as though to permit his words to sink deep into my consciousness. There was need that I should think quickly. I glanced towards the château and saw that the gates were closed and the tower manned. I looked at Roquefort’s troops, dismounted, lolling in the edge of the wood along the river, waiting his pleasure. One group, however, was still under arms, and my pulse leaped as I saw they were on guard with Fronsac and Mademoiselle in their midst. If by some lie I could hold Roquefort here for two hours or even less, M. le Comte might yet be in time for rescue. I felt my captor’s eyes on mine and turned away for fear he would read my thought. “You understand?” he asked, after a moment. I nodded. “And you agree?” “Proceed, Monsieur,” I said. “You were with Cadillac?” he asked. “At Montauban--yes, Monsieur.” “Come, no lies. He is near by.” “No nearer than Montauban, Monsieur.” He glared at me for a moment, but my strength had come back to me, and this time I could meet his gaze without shrinking. “Then what do you and Fronsac here?” he demanded. “My friend carries a message to Madame,” I answered readily, glad to find an answer that was near the truth. “He chose me to ride hither with him.” He looked at me yet a moment, then turned away and gazed towards the château, twisting his moustaches and muttering to himself. “If I had proof--if I had proof--there would yet be time to capture the woman too and send this pretty place up in smoke!” He turned again to me with those snake’s eyes of his agleam. “Is this true?” he demanded between his teeth. “Tell me again, is this true? Think well before you answer. A lie will cost you such hours of agony as you have never dreamed of.” “There is M. de Fronsac,” I suggested. “Ask him also.” He laughed harshly. “M. de Fronsac prefers to hold his tongue,” he said. “Think you I should otherwise have troubled to bring you back to life? Answer me. Is this true?” “It is true,” I repeated. “Very good. I am going to believe you. But if I find you have betrayed me----” A look finished the sentence, which, indeed, needed no other ending. I did not flinch under his gaze. Could I but keep him there until M. le Comte laid hold of him, I need care little for his threats. He hurried away from me and was soon preparing for the attack in a manner which bespoke his skill in warfare. Four men were sent across the valley to the heights beyond to watch the road by which Fronsac and I had come, and so guard against surprise. A hundred men were massed opposite the great gate of the château, and two parties of perhaps fifty passed out of sight behind either wing. A moment later an order came to the men who were guarding me, and I was led towards the group that stood about the other prisoners.