“My name is Gerard, and I am going to Rome,” said the more reserved Hollander, and in a way that invited no further confidences. “All the better; we will go together as far as Burgundy.” “That is not my road.” “All roads take to Rome.” “Ay, but the shortest road thither is my way.” “Well, then, it is I who must go out of my way a step for the sake of good company, for thy face likes me, and thou speakest French, or nearly.” “There go two words to that bargain,” said Gerard coldly. “I steer by proverbs, too. They do put old heads on young men's shoulders. 'Bon loup mauvais compagnon, dit le brebis;' and a soldier, they say, is near akin to a wolf.” “They lie,” said Denys; “besides, if he is, 'les loups ne se mangent pas entre eux.'” “Aye but, sir soldier, I am not a wolf; and thou knowest, a bien petite occasion se saisit le loup du mouton.'” “Let us drop wolves and sheep, being men; my meaning is, that a good soldier never pillages-a comrade. Come, young man, too much suspicion becomes not your years. They who travel should learn to read faces; methinks you might see lealty in mine sith I have seen it in yourn. Is it yon fat purse at your girdle you fear for?” (Gerard turned pale.) “Look hither!” and he undid his belt, and poured out of it a double handful of gold pieces, then returned them to their hiding-place. “There is a hostage for you,” said he; “carry you that, and let us be comrades,” and handed him his belt, gold and all. Gerard stared. “If I am over prudent, you have not enow.” But he flushed and looked pleased at the other's trust in him. “Bah! I can read faces; and so must you, or you'll never take your four bones safe to Rome.” “Soldier, you would find me a dull companion, for my heart is very heavy,” said Gerard, yielding. “I'll cheer you, mon gars.” “I think you would,” said Gerard sweetly; “and sore need have I of a kindly voice in mine ear this day.” “Oh! no soul is sad alongside me. I lift up their poor little hearts with my consigne: 'Courage, tout le monde, le diable est mort.' Ha! ha!” “So be it, then,” said Gerard. “But take back your belt, for I could never trust by halves. We will go together as far as Rhine, and God go with us both!” “Amen!” said Denys, and lifted his cap. “En avant!”