happening. So everybody knew that D'Hérouville and De Leviston were in
hospital, seriously though not dangerously wounded, and that Monsieur
de Saumaise was in the guardhouse, where, it was supposed, he would
remain for some time to come, in order that his hot blood might cool
appreciably. As for Monsieur d'Halluys, he was not under the
governor's direct jurisdiction, and was simply ordered to stay in his
room.

The officers and civilians respected the governor's command, and no
outsider gathered a word of information from them. The officers,
talking among themselves, secretly admired the poet's pluck. Like all
men of evil repute, De Leviston was a first-class swordsman and the
poet's stroke had lessened his fame. As for what had caused the fight
between the vicomte and D'Hérouville, they were somewhat at a loss to
say or account for. The governor himself was exceedingly wrathful. At
ten o'clock he summoned Victor to appear before him, to render a full
account of the affair. The savages made life hazardous enough, without
the additional terror of duels.

Victor found the governor alone, and for this he was thankful.

"Monsieur de Saumaise," De Lauson began, sternly, "I gave you credit
for being a young man of sense."

"And a man of heart, too, your Excellency, I hope," replied the poet,
valiantly.

"Heart? Is it heart to break the edict, to upset the peace of my
household, to set tongues wagging? Persons will want to know the cause
of this foolish duel. I am positive that it was fought contrary to the