Answer me in a word! Only understand this: if you reject me, I will return to my father's house, and with this gun which I hold in my hand I will blow out my brains." This was no idle threat.

It was evident that what he said, that would he do.

His listeners were so convinced of this, that Marie-Anne turned to her father with clasped hands and a look of entreaty.
"You are one of us, then," said M.Lacheneur, sternly; "but do not forget that you forced me to consent by threats; and whatever may happen to you or yours, remember that you would have it so." But these gloomy words produced no impression upon Maurice; he was wild with joy.
"Now," continued M.Lacheneur, "I must tell you my hopes, and acquaint you with the cause for which I am laboring----" "What does that matter to me ?" Maurice exclaimed, gayly; and, springing toward Marie-Anne, he seized her hand and raised it to his lips, crying, with the joyous laugh of youth: "My cause--here it is!" Lacheneur turned away.

Perhaps he recollected that a sacrifice of his pride was all that was necessary to assure the happiness of these poor children.
But if a feeling of remorse entered his mind, he drove it away, and with increased sternness, he said: "Still, Monsieur d'Escorval, it is necessary for you to understand our agreement." "Make known your conditions, sir." "First, your visits here--after certain rumors that I have put in circulation--would arouse suspicion.

You must come here only at night, and then only at hours that have been agreed upon in advance--never when you are not expected." The attitude of Maurice expressed his entire consent.
"Moreover, you must find some way to cross the river without having recourse to the ferryman, who is a dangerous fellow." "We have an old skiff.