As he set it back on the table I
heard him grunt, and--it seemed to me--with approval.
"I will allow no shooting, sir," said he, quickly, yet with easy
authority, noting my hand go down to my gun-stock.
"You misunderstand me," I answered, and indeed I was but shifting its
balance on my bandolier, which had slipped awry in the struggle.
"There are reasons why I cannot kill this man. But you will give me
leave to answer just two of his slanders upon this lady. It is false
that I came here to-night by her invitation or in her company, as it
is God's truth that for many months until we met in this room and in
your presence she has not set eyes on me. She could not have known
even that I lived since the hour when her brother there--yes,
Princess, your brother there--left me broken and maimed at the far
end of the island. For the rest, he utters slanders to which I have
no clue save that I know them to be slanders. But at a venture, if
you would know how they grew and who nurtured them, I think the
priest yonder can tell you."
The Commandant waved a hand politely. "You have spoken well, sir.
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