"As between friends--" suggested Barlasch, and, on receiving a more
decided negative, returned the coins to his pocket, not without
satisfaction.
"I want your friends to pass on a letter for me--I am willing to
pay," he said in a whisper. "A letter to Captain Louis d'Arragon--
it concerns the happiness of Mademoiselle Desiree. Do not shake
your head. Think before you refuse. The letter will be an open
one--six words or so--telling the Captain that his cousin,
Mademoiselle's husband, is not in Dantzig, and cannot now return
here since the last of the rearguard entered the city this morning."
Sebastian seemed to be considering the matter, and Barlasch was
quick to combat possible objections.
"The Captain went to Konigsberg. He is there now. Your friends can
easily find him, and give him the letter. It is of great importance
to Mademoiselle. The Captain is not looking for Monsieur Charles
Darragon, because he thinks that he is here in Dantzig. Colonel de
Casimir assured him that Mademoiselle would find him here. Where is
he--that Monsieur Charles--I wonder? It is of great importance to
Mademoiselle. The Captain would perhaps continue his search."
"Where is your letter?" asked Sebastian.
By way of reply, Barlasch laid on the table a sheet of paper.
"You must write it," he said. "My hand is injured. I write not
badly, you understand. But this evening I do not feel that my hand
is well enough.
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