The Intendant is a powerful man, but the Marquis Duquesne is the head of our military life, and he would not be pleased to hear what one of his officers so high in rank has done here tonight." All the blood left de Courcelles' face, and he shook with anger, but he knew in his heart that de Galisonniere spoke the deadly truth.

Besides, the whole plan had gone horribly wrong.

And it had been so well laid.
Who could have thought that a wandering hunter would appear at such a time, take the whole affair into his hands, and prove himself a better swordsman than Boucher, who was reputed not to have had his equal in France.

It was the one unlucky chance, in a million! Nay, it was worse! It was a miracle that had appeared against them, and in that de Galisonniere had told the truth.

Rage and terror stabbed at his heart, rage that the plan laid so smoothly had failed, and terror for himself.
No, he would not challenge de Galisonniere.
"You will notice, de Courcelles," said the young Captain, "that Boucher is approaching exhaustion.