human
Then I, having impressed the services of Captain Bonhomme and his ship the _Southern Cross_, set sail and arrived at the House on the Dunes only a few days ago, as you already know. The signals that you saw flashing at night were to indicate that all was well.
gpt
The green light, I suppose, commented Dan,
human
Was the signal of danger. Because the Marquis discovered last night that you were not in the house; he flashed the warning that made Captain Bonhomme go to the House on the Dunes. Quite recently the manners of your friend, Mr.--eh--?
gpt
Pembroke?
human
I understand, said Dan,
gpt
Mademoiselle is perfectly safe, Monsieur Dan; I assure you. She left the Inn because she had fear of betraying our plans, particularly as she loved your friend, Mr. Pembroke.
human
It is still strange to me, madame, that Nancy should distrust her oldest and best friends. But now you will let me see her?
gpt
Of course I shall soon, very soon, my dear boy. I have told you all, and now you will aid me to find the treasure that is your foster-sister's heritage, will you not?
human
Why certainly I want Nancy to have what is hers,
gpt
Bravo, my friend. We are to count you one of us, I am sure.
human
Just a moment, said Dan, resisting the temptation to touch the little hand that had been placed impulsively upon his arm.
gpt
May I ask one more question?
human
A thousand, my dear, if you desire.
gpt
Why then, since until last night everything has gone as you planned it, why has not the treasure already been discovered?
human
Because, _mon ami_; the Marquis has only been able to visit the Oak Parlour at night. And also it was decided to wait until I arrived.
gpt
With the schooner?
human
With the schooner, if you will. And you may remember that it was only the day before yesterday that I reached your so hospitable countryside.
gpt
Ah! I understand; so then all that you desire of me, madame, is that I shall permit the Marquis or anyone else whom you may select for the purpose, to make such investigation of the Oak Parlour as is desired.
human
Yes, my friend; and also there is yet another thing that we desire.
gpt
But suppose, madame, that I cannot agree to that?
human
Ah! _cher ami_, but you will. I confess--you must remember that the Marquis de Boisdhyver has been a soldier--that my friends have not agreed with me entirely. It has seemed to them simpler that we should keep you a prisoner on this ship, as we could so easily do, until our mission is accomplished. But,--I like you too much to agree to that.
gpt
Madame de la Fontaine, he said after a moment's reflection,
human
I am greatly obliged to you for explaining the situation to me so fully. I shall be only too happy to help you, particularly in anything that is for the benefit of Nancy.
gpt
I was sure of it. Now, my friend, there is a service that you can immediately render.
human
And that is?
gpt
To entrust to me the other half of the paper of directions written by François de Boisdhyver, which you found in a secret cubby-hole in the old cabinet.
human
What makes you think that I was successful in finding that, when the Marquis failed?
gpt
Because, at first having forgotten his precise directions after so many years, the Marquis could not find the fourth and last hiding-place in the cabinet, in which he knew the Maréchal had placed the other half of the torn scrap of paper. Another time he did find the cubby-hole, and it was empty. So knowing he was watched by you and Mr. Pembroke, he decided that you must have found it. Is it not so, that you have it?
human
It is certainly not in my possession at this moment,
gpt
No, but you have it?
human
And if I have?
gpt
It is necessary for our success.
human
Then, my first service, is to put you into complete possession of the secret?
gpt
If you will so express it.
human
Very well, madame, I will do so; but, on one condition.
gpt
And what is that, my friend?
human
That I be allowed to see Nancy, and that she herself shall ask me to do as you desire.
gpt
she said at last,
human
But, dear madame, think of my situation, it is hard for me.
gpt
Ah! I know it, believe me. _C'est difficile_. But I hoped you would trust me as I have you.
human
Indeed, madame, exclaimed Dan,
gpt
I must try to think of everything, the mystery, this extraordinary mission upon which you are engaged, the fact that I am quite literally your prisoner. When I think about you, I know only you are beautiful, that you are lovely, and that I am happy near you.
human
You say, my friend, she asked at length,
gpt
I do care,
human
Ah! she exclaimed.
gpt
You have touched my heart. I am not a young girl, _mon ami_, but I confess that you have made me to know again the dreams of youth.
human
Only let me prove that I care,
gpt
Let me prove, cried she,