"Yes."
"And how do you propose to make the journey?"
This was so unlike Sebastian's usual method, so far from his lax
comprehension of a father's duty, that Barlasch paused and looked at
him with suspicion. With the back of his hand he pushed up the
unkempt hair which obscured his eyes. This unusual display of
parental anxiety required looking into.
"From what I could see in the streets," he answered, "the General
will not stand in the way of women and useless mouths who wish to
quit Dantzig."
"That is possible; but he will not go so far as to provide horses."
Barlasch gave his companion a quick glance, and returned to his
supper, eating with an exaggerated nonchalance, as if he were alone.
"Will you provide them?" he asked abruptly, at length, without
looking up.
"I can get them for you, and can ensure you relays by the way."
Barlasch cut a piece of meat very carefully, and, opening his mouth
wide, looked at Sebastian over the orifice.
"On one condition," pursued Sebastian quietly; "that you deliver a
letter for me in Thorn. I make no pretence; if it is found on you,
you will be shot."
Barlasch smiled pleasantly.
"The risks are very great," said Sebastian, tapping his snuff-box
reflectively.
"I am not an officer to talk of my honour," answered Barlasch, with
a laugh. "And as for risk"--he paused and put half a potato into
his mouth--"it is Mademoiselle I serve," concluded this uncouth
knight with a curt simplicity.
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