The Black Moth

They made no move to obey, and my lord shrugged deprecatingly, loweringhis point to Tracy's throat.

"_Eh bien!_"

They still hesitated, casting anxious glances at their master. "Obey,"ordered the Duke.

Each man threw down a pistol, eyeing Jack furtively, while the girl ranto her aunt, who began to soothe and fuss over her.

Jack stifled a yawn.

"It is not my intention to remain here all night. Neither am I achild--or a fool. _Depechez!_"

Belmanoir saw that the coachman had his blunderbuss ready and was onlytoo eager to fire it, and he knew that the game was up. He turned hishead towards the reluctant bullies who looked to him for orders.

"Throw down everything!" he advised.

Two more pistols and two dag

gers joined their comrades.

"A thousand thanks!" bowed my lord, running a quick eye over the men."M. le Duc, I pray you be still. Now, you with the large nose--yes, _monami_, you--go pick up the pistol our defunct friend dropped."

The man indicated slouched over to the dead body and flung anotherpistol on to the heap.

My lord shook his head impatiently.

"_Mais non_. Have I not said that I am not entirely a fool? Theunexploded pistol, please. You will place it here, _doucement._ Verygood."

His eye travelled to the men on the box. The coachman touched his hatand cried:

"I'm ready, sir!"

"It is very well. Be so good as to keep these gentlemen covered, but donot fire until I give the order. And now, M. le Duc, have I your parolethat you will return swiftly from whence you came, leaving this ladyunmolested, an I permit you to rise?"

Tracy moved his head impatiently.

"I have no choice."

"Monsieur, that is not an answer. Have I your parole?"

"Yes, curse you!"

"But certainly," said Jack politely. "Pray rise."

He rested his sword-point on the ground, and watched Tracy struggle tohis feet.

For an instant the Duke stood staring at him, with face slightlyout-thrust.

"I almost think I know you," he said softly, caressingly.

Jack's French accent became a shade more pronounced.

"It is possible. I at least have the misfortune to know monsieur bysight."

Tracy ignored the insult, and continued very, very silkily:

"One thing is certain: I shall know you again--if I meet you!"

Even as the words left his mouth Jack saw the pistol in his hand andsprang quickly to one side, just in time to escape a shot that wouldhave gone straight through his head. As it was, it caught him in hisleft shoulder.