"I said to myself that if monsieur quarrels with his enemy, and trouble comes of it, it will be I--I and my friends--who can assist monsieur.

Monsieur will owe us something for this, and the time may come--the time, indeed, may be very close at hand--when the services of monsieur might be useful." "Come, Louis," I said, "this is better.

Now I am beginning to understand.

Go on a little further, if you please.

I acknowledge your claim upon me.