Gabriel interrupted him impatiently. “But Louis Herbes, is he also at Grand Pré?” “Alas, no! the wife, she was too strong. They proceeded to Halifax. I too desire to go thither now if thou, who art of Acadie, wilt aid me.” “When thou needest help before, I was of the hated English,” retorted the young man grimly. “But be I what I may, English or Acadian, I serve honor first—and so bethink thee!” “Honor? Assuredly, _M. le Capitain_! Yet listen.” He came nearer, lowering his voice to a whisper. “I come not back, hearest thou?” “And what of thy countrymen here? Of a certainty they will be held answerable for thy treachery.” “That will be thy part to arrange,” observed Marin coolly. Gabriel, ever quick to act, sprang upon the peasant and seized him by the collar of his blouse. For a moment anger deprived him of the power of speech. Then— “And thou wilt make me traitor too!” he cried. “Almost I could wish that no blood of Acadie ran in my veins!” “And Margot—is she not Acadian?” Marin was quite unabashed, and there was a leer in the small eyes he turned up to the young giant who held him as a mastiff holds a rat. At the name of Margot, Gabriel loosed the man, covered his eyes with his hands and sank into a chair. “Ah, Margot!” he groaned. “Yes, Margot, I say again. Thou wilt let me go, and thou wilt swear that thou knowest of a truth that I overstayed my time, and was drowned in the marshes hurrying hither in the darkness of the night, that thou didst strive to save me and failed. The salt marshes receive the dead, and cover them kindly. All this thou dost know, and my good character also. Who will doubt the word of a brave soldier?” “A clumsy plot, indeed, even were I willing to forswear my honor for thee!” Gabriel had his friend by the collar again. “Release me, or I will not tell thee what I know!” ejaculated Marin sullenly. “Tell, and be done!” The young man let go of his prisoner so suddenly that the fellow nearly fell upon the floor. “Not so fast, my brave _capitain_!” Marin was eying him now from a safe distance. “Not a word of the _belle cousine_ dost thou win from me until I have thy promise to aid me to escape.” [Illustration: “‘And thou wilt make me traitor too,’ he cried.”] Gabriel was silent. “It is as I say. I know where Margot is to be found, but——” Marin paused expressively. Gabriel still did not answer. When at last he spoke, his voice was low and stern. “Marin, I owe thee somewhat in that thou didst open thy doors to my cousin and her friends in their time of stress. Thou hast said that I am Acadian. True! But also am I English, and an English soldier and a Protestant. There is my faith and my honor—both forbid a lie. Not even for Margot can I do this thing.”