II.—­The Scottish Archer

Quentin, accompanying his uncle into the presence-chamber of Louis XI., started so suddenly that he almost dropped his weapon when he recognised in the King of France the merchant, Maitre Pierre.  No less astonished was he when the king, whose quick eye had at once discovered him, walked straight to the place where he was posted, and addressing Le Balafre, said:  “Your kinsman is a fair youth, though fiery.  We love to cherish such spirits, and mean to make more than ever we did of the brave men who are around us.”

A boar-hunt, wherein the life of Louis was saved from imminent danger by the courage and dexterity of Quentin Durward, brought the young Scot still further into royal favour:  “Thou hast begun thy wood-craft well,” said the king; “and Maitre Pierre owes thee as good an entertainment as he gave thee in the village yonder.  I like thee, and will do thee good.  Build on no man’s favour but mine—­not even on thine uncle’s or Lord Crawford’s, and say nothing of thy timely aid in this matter of the boar, for if a man makes boast that he has served a king in such a pinch, he must take the braggart humour for its own recompense.”

So Quentin kept silence discreetly, and was rewarded by a gold chain from the king, by speedy promotion to the rank of free archer, and by being employed to act as sentinel in the private gallery of Louis.  And here he once more beheld the young lady whom he had seen at his memorable breakfast, and who had been called Jacqueline.  She proved to be the youthful Countess Isabelle, heiress of the rich earldom of Croye, who had fled with her aunt, the Countess Hameline, from the overlordship of the Duke of Burgundy.  Had death been the penalty Durward must needs have rendered to this beauty and her companion the same homage which he paid to royalty.  They received it as those who were accustomed to the deference of inferiors; but he thought that the young lady coloured slightly and seemed embarrassed.

Occupation and adventure now crowded upon Durward with the force of a spring tide.

Louis, anxious to be on good terms with Burgundy, induced the ladies of Croye to retreat from their concealment at the Court of France, and to place themselves under the protection of the Prince Bishop of Liege.  Durward was delighted when the king told him that he was selected, with four others under his command, to escort the Countess Isabelle and her companion to the little court of their relative the bishop, in the safest and most secret manner possible.

They set out at midnight, and Lady Hameline soon interrogated the captain of her escort, and learnt that he was of noble birth.

“Methinks, my cousin,” said the Lady Isabelle softly, “we must be safe under this young gentleman’s safeguard.”