"At least we shan't be married in Calais," I answered with a grim smile. "No," she murmured, and bent again over the King. Now his eyes were wide-opened, and I fixed mine on them. I saw the return of consciousness and intelligence; the quick glance that fell on me, on the oars, on the pistol in my hand, witnessed to it. Then he raised himself on his elbow, Barbara drawing quickly away, and so rested an instant, regarding me still. He drew himself up into a sitting posture, and seemed as though he would rise to his feet. I raised the pistol and pointed it at him. "No higher, if you please," said I. "It's a matter of danger to walk about in so small a boat, and you came near to upsetting us before." He turned his head and saw Barbara, then gazed round on the sea. No sail was to be seen, and the fog still screened the boat in impenetrable solitude. The sight brought to his mind a conviction of what his plight was. Yet no dismay nor fear showed in his face. He sat there, regarding me with an earnest curiosity. At last he spoke. "You were deluding me all the time?" he asked. "Even so," said I, with an inclination of my head. "You did not mean to take my offer?" "Since I am a gentleman, I did not." "I also am accounted a gentleman, sir." "Nay, I took you for a prince," said I. He made me no answer, but, looking round him again, observed: "The ship must be near. But for this cursed fog she would be in sight." "It's well for us she isn't," I said. "Why, sir?" he asked brusquely. "If she were, there's the pistol for the lady, and this sword here for you and me," said I coolly. For a man may contrive to speak coolly, though his bearing be a lie and his heart beat quick. "You daren't," he cried in amazement. "I should be unwilling," I conceded. For an instant there was silence. Then came Barbara's voice, soft and fearful: "Simon, the fog lifts." It was true. The breeze blew and the fog lifted. Louis' eyes sparkled. All three of us, by one impulse, looked round on the sea. The fresh wind struck my cheek, and the enveloping folds curled lazily away. Barbara held up her hand and pointed. Away on the right, dimly visible, just detached from the remaining clouds of mist, was a dark object, sitting high on the water. A ship it was, in all likelihood the king's ship. We should be sighted soon. My eyes met the King's and his were exultant and joyful; he did not yet believe that I would do what I had said, and he thought that the trap closed on us again. For still the mist rose, and in a few moments they on the ship must see us. "You shall pay for your trick," he said between his teeth. "It is very likely," said I. "But I think that the debt will be paid to your Majesty's successor."