"Almost time for waking--an hour probably from dawn, though I know not exactly. But, suffer me to extinguish this light. We can talk as well in the dark." "What have you to say?" demanded Laudonniere, half rising at this preliminary. "I have been getting some new lessons in chess from old Marchand." "Ah! what new lesson?" asked Laudonniere, whose passion for the game had prompted D'Erlach with the suggestion he made use of. "Marchand, sir, is a most wonderful player. I have seen a great many persons skilled at the game, not to speak of yourself, and I am sure there is no one who can stand him. He absolutely laughs at my opposition. I wish you could play with him, sir." "I should like it, Alphonse," replied the other, "but you know my position. This man, Marchand, is a turbulent person; scarcely respectful to me, and, if there be, as you think, a conspiracy on foot against me, he is at the head of it, be sure." "Not so;" said the other, quietly, but decisively; "not so. His bluntness is that of an honest man. His turbulence is that of self-esteem. He is above a base action, and, secure in his own character, he defies the scrutiny of superiority. I think you mistake him; at all events it is necessary that you should know him in chess. I am anxious to see you and him in conflict; and, if you will permit me, he shall bring his own men--for he will play with no other--he has his notions on the point--here, to-morrow night, when you will discover that he is not only a great player but a good fellow." "You are a singular person, Alphonse;" said Laudonniere, smiling. "What should put chess into your head at such a time, particularly when you say there is such danger?" "The man who can play chess when danger threatens is the very man to discover it; and the conspirator is never more likely to become resolved in his purpose than when he finds his destined victim in a state of anxiety. I should rather my enemy see me at chess--provided I can see him--than that he should find me putting my arms in readiness. They may be conveniently under the table, while the chess-board is upon it; and while I am moving my pawn with one hand, I can prepare my pistol with the other. But, sir, with your further permission, I will bring Challus and Le Moyne to see the match. They are both passionately fond of the game, and Le Moyne plays well, though nothing to compare either with yourself or Marchand." "By the way, Alphonse, how is Le Moyne getting on with his pictures? It certainly was a strange idea of the Admiral, that of sending out, with such an expedition, painters of pictures and such persons. I can see the use of a mineralogist and botanist, but--these painters!"