Nor did I greatly desire to run upon De Croix.  I knew his temper fairly well, and doubtless by this time he had learned the story of my interference, and would be in fit mood for a quarrel.  Still, as seems often to be the case at such a time, before I had taken a dozen steps away from the gate, I met him face to face.  It was a jaunty picture he made in the glare of the fire, the fine gentleman sauntering lazily about, with hat of bleached straw pushed rakishly upon his powdered hair, and a light cane dangling at his wrist, as fashionably attired as if he were loitering upon the boulevards of an August evening, his negro man a yard behind, bearing a silken fan which flashed golden in the radiance.  At sight of him, I stopped instantly, ready enough to resent attack if that had been his purpose, though anxious to avoid violence for the sake of Mademoiselle.  But he merely laughed as he surveyed me critically, swinging his bamboo stick as if it were a whip-lash.

“Parbleu, Master Wayland!” he said, seeming in rare good-humor, “I this moment learned of your safe return.  ’T would have been an excellent joke had the savage found excuse to retain you out yonder, to form a part of one of their delightful entertainments!  Fit revenge, indeed, for the foul deceit you played upon me!”

“Think you so, Monsieur?” for his easy words relieved me greatly.  “It would have been one less arm for our defence.”

“With safe convoy guaranteed by the Indian chiefs, that loss would make small odds,” he replied carelessly.  “But, truly, that was a most scurvy trick you played to gain the wager which was offered me.  But for the happy ending, I should be sorely tempted to break this cane across your shoulders in payment therefor.”

“Indeed!” I said; “the act might not be as easily accomplished as you imagine.  But what mean you by happy ending?  Had the savages roasted me over a slow fire, I should hardly be here for the pleasure of your chastisement.”

He laughed lightly, his eyes wandering carelessly over the throng of figures in front of us.

“Saint Guise!  I thought not about your predicament, but rather of the happiness which came to me in the society of Mademoiselle.  In faith, she was most gracious with her favor.  ’T is thus you did me a great kindness, friend, and have won my gratitude.”

The words were as stinging as he meant them to be, for I marked his quick glance into my face.  So I held my resentment well in check, and smiled back at him, apparently unconcerned.

“Then we are again even, Monsieur,” I returned quietly, “and can start anew upon our score.  But why should I remain here to discuss matters of such small import, with all this work unfinished which fronts strong men to-night?  I will break my long fast, and turn to beside these others.”

He seemed to have further words to say; but I minded him not, and pushed past, leaving him to saunter where he willed, accompanied by his black satellite.  If I could not win Mademoiselle, as I now felt assured from his boastful speech I could not, I might at least work for her greater safety and comfort; and there was much I could do to help in burying my own disappointment.