I should not know what to do without you. We have shared
the same tents on the battlefield; I have borrowed your clothes and
your money, and you have borrowed my sword, for that is all I have.
Listen to me. There will be exploits over there, and the echo of them
will wander back here to France. Fame awaits us. Are we not as brave
and inventive as De Champlain, De Montmagny, De Lisle, and a host of
others who have made money and name? Come; take my hand. Together,
Paul, and what may not fortune hold for us!"
There was something irresistible in his pleading; and the Chevalier
felt the need of some one on whom to spend his brimming heart of love.
His face showed that he was weighing the matter and viewing it from all
points. Presently the severe lines of his face softened.
"Very well, we shall go together, my poet," throwing an arm across
Victor's shoulders. "We shall go together, as we have always gone.
And, after all, what is a name but sounding brass? 'Tis a man's arm
that makes or unmakes his honesty, not his thrift; his loyalty, rather
than his self-interest. We shall go together. Come; we'll sign the
major's papers, and have done with it.
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