What do you know of mine ?' 'Knowledge,' I made grim answer, 'is not everything, sir priest.' 'It is more than it was,' he said, smiling his thin-lipped smile.

'It is going to be more than it is.

And I know much--about you, M.de Marsac.' 'You know too much!' I retorted, feeling his covert threats close round me like the folds of some great serpent.

'But you are imprudent, I think.

Will you tell me what is to prevent me striking you through where you stand, and ridding myself at a blow of so much knowledge ?' 'The presence of three men, M.de Marsac,' he answered lightly, waving his hand towards M.Francois and the others, 'every one of whom would give you up to justice.