All that I have done has been to provide the ransom necessary to bribe a gang of scoundrels to depart from obedience to the arch-scoundrel who commanded them, and so deliver you from all peril.

Count it, if you please, a friendly loan to be repaid entirely at your convenience." Mademoiselle stared at him in unbelief.

M.d'Ogeron rose to his feet.
"Monsieur, is it possible that you are serious ?" "I am.

It may not happen often nowadays.

I may be a pirate.