"What do you mean, sir?"
"I mean this. Count Marlanx," said Baldos, looking steadily into the
eyes of the head of the army. "It was kind and considerate of you to
admit me to the fortress--no matter in what capacity, especially at a
critical time like this. You did not know me, you had no way of telling
whether my intentions were honest or otherwise, and yet I was permitted
to go through the fort from end to end. No spy could wish for greater
generosity than that."
An almost imperceptible smile went round the table, and every listener
but one breathed more freely. The candor and boldness of the guard won
the respect and confidence of all except Marlanx. The Iron Count was
white with anger. He took the examination out of Lorry's hands, and
plied the stranger with insulting questions, each calm answer making him
more furious than before. At last, in sheer impotence, he relapsed into
silence, waving his hand to Lorry to indicate that he might resume.
"You will understand, Baldos, that we have some cause for apprehension,"
said Lorry, immensely gratified by the outcome of the tilt. "You are a
stranger; and, whether you admit it or not, there is reason to believe
that you are not what you represent yourself to be."
"I am a humble guard at present, sir, and a loyal one. My life is yours
should I prove otherwise."
Yetive whispered something in Lorry's ear at this juncture.
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