"He is a trusty servant; I will vouch for his loyalty."

Devine shook his head. It was plain he did not welcome the proposal.

"Trust the papers to me," I said, on a sudden impulse, "and I will take
Jacques for company."

"'Tis a long journey, Edmond, and full of danger," said my father. "I
fear an older head than yours is needed."

"Jacques can supply the older head, and I will take charge of the
papers."

"You are only a boy," objected Devine.

"So much the better: no one will suspect I am engaged on an errand of
importance."

"There is something in that, but this is no child's game; 'tis an affair
of life and death. You must travel day and night, and from the moment
the papers are in your hands your life belongs to the Admiral. If you
fail to reach Tanlay in time, the death of the noblest gentleman in
France will lie on your shoulders."

"I will do my best."

"He is young," remarked my father, "but he can bear fatigue. He has a
sure seat in the saddle, and he is more thoughtful than most boys of his
age. With Jacques at his elbow the venture is not as desperate as it may