The pallor of Danvers disappeared before a sudden flush of resentment; then he laughed. “A rather good hit,” commented he, with his white teeth showing. “I fancied that you might have overheard what was said, when I learned that you were here.” Captain Jones crossed his legs and tapped the toe of his boot with his brass-tipped scabbard. [Illustration: _“KEEP THEM AT SWORD’S LENGTH,” SAID CAPTAIN JONES_] “You were in quest of a certain document, were you not?” asked he. “I was,” admitted Danvers. “And to be perfectly candid in the matter and avoid mistakes, I am so still.” “Is there any possibility, do you think, of your securing possession of it?” This question was asked in a calm matter-of-fact tone that made Ethan open his eyes. But Danvers heard it with a self-possession that was perfect. “Oh, yes,” he replied, “there are only two of you----” “Three,” corrected Captain Jones. “And there are four of us,” continued Danvers. Then he made as though to seat himself in a vacant chair by the fire; but Ethan toppled it over with his foot, and the man stood glaring at him angrily. “I think,” said the young American, quietly, “that you had better stand.” “Ah! You are the fighting lad who made such sad work of Blake, I take it.” Danvers favored the boy with an unpleasant smile. “Well, perhaps you may have an opportunity of using your talent before long.” Then he turned to Captain Jones, and demanded: “Will you give up the document, peaceably?” “The papers are for Dr. Franklin,” answered the commander of the Ranger, “and not for a British spy!” Danvers whipped out the sword that he carried and shouted: “Blake! Siki! Wheelock! This way!” In response to this call the three persons named darted into the room; Ethan and the captain leaped up and their blades flashed in the lamplight, while the chairs in which they had been seated went crashing to the floor upon the far side. The landlord and his servants also pressed into the room; it was plain that strife was no new thing within the walls of the Burgundian King, for each of them had a stout cudgel, and only seemed to hesitate as to which party they should side with. Danvers saw this at a glance and cried, “Landlord, a dozen Louis d’or if you give me your help against these robbers.” “It is done, monsieur,” answered the landlord promptly. “Keep them at sword’s length,” said Captain Jones, in a low voice. “Right, sir,” answered Ethan.