"Deuce take me if I've made up my mind! I asked for a signature in blank, because it is the most convenient thing, the easiest to carry, and the most elastic. It is probable that I shall keep it for some great emergency; but it is possible that I may throw it away on the first whim that comes to my mind; perhaps I may present it to you in person before the end of the week, perhaps it will not come back to you for three or four months, and then with a dozen or more endorsers, like a piece of commercial paper; but never fear, I shall not use it for any purpose for which you and I need blush. Noble blood counts for something, after all." "You are of noble blood?" "Yes, monsieur, the very noblest." "In that case I will have him broken on the wheel," muttered the unknown; "that's the service his blank signature will do him!" "Have you decided to give me the signature in blank?" asked Cauvignac. "I must," was the reply. "I don't force you to do it; let us understand each other. What I propose is an exchange; keep your paper if you choose, and I will keep mine." "The letter?" "The signature?" And he held out the letter with one hand, while he cocked a pistol with the other. "Don't disturb the repose of your pistol," said the stranger, throwing open his cloak; "for I have pistols, too, and they are all loaded. Fair play on both sides; here's your signature." The exchange of documents was effected without further parley, and each of the parties examined that which was handed to him, carefully and in silence. "Now, monsieur," said Cauvignac, "in which direction do you go?" "I must cross to the right bank." "And I to the left." "How shall we arrange it? My men are where you propose to go, and yours where I propose to go." "Why, nothing could be simpler; send my men over to me in your boat, and I will send yours over in mine." "You have an inventive mind, and one that works very quickly." "I was born to command an army." "And so you do." "Ah! true, I had forgotten," said the young man. The stranger motioned to the ferry-man to cast off his boat, and pull to the opposite shore in the direction of the clump of woods which reached to the road. The young man, who was perhaps expecting some treachery, stood half erect to look after him, with his hand still resting on the butt of his pistol, ready to fire at the least suspicious movement on the stranger's part. But the latter did not even deign to notice the distrust of which he was the object, and, turning his back on the young man with real or affected indifference, began to read the letter, and was soon entirely engrossed in its contents. "Remember the hour," Cauvignac called after him; "eight o'clock this evening." The stranger made no reply, and did not seem to have heard.