And the wise old Marshal had permitted him to leave the
kingdom without let or hindrance. Perhaps the Marshal understood
that Beauvais was a sort of powder train, and that the farther
he was away from the mine the better for all concerned.
"You are a great rascal," Maurice said finally.
"We will waive that point. The matter at present is, how much
will it take to buy your silence for the future?"
"And I am sorry I did not kill you when I had the chance,"
continued Maurice, as if following a train of thought.
"We never realize how great the opportunity is till it has
passed beyond our reach. Well, how much?"
"I am not in need of money."
"To be sure; I forgot. But the archbishop could not have given
you a competence for life."
"I choked a few facts out of Kopf," said Maurice. "You will wear
no crown--that is, earthly."
"And your heavenly one is near at hand," rejoined Beauvais.
Maurice absently fingered a bayonet.
"You refuse this conciliation on my part?" asked Beauvais.
"Positively."
"Well, then, if anything happens to you, you will have only
yourself to blame. I will leave you to digest that suggestion.
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