“French?”

“Yes, French.”

“In the ranks of the Flemings?”

“At their head, Henri; this is a secret which forms a sequel to Salcede’s business.”

“However, dear brother, here you are, safe and sound, to my great joy; I, who have done nothing yet, must do something, also.”

“And what will you do?”

“Give me the command of your scouts, I beg.”

“No, it is too dangerous, Henri; I would not say so before strangers, but I do not wish you to die an obscure death.  The scouts may meet with some of those horrid Flemings who fight with flails and scythes; you kill one thousand of them, and the last cuts you in two or disfigures you.  No, Henri; if you will die, let it be a more glorious death than that.”

“My brother, grant me what I ask, I beg; I promise you to be prudent, and to return here.”

“Well, I understand.”

“What?”

“You wish to try if the fame of a brave action will not soften the heart of this ferocious tigress.  Confess that that is what makes you insist on it.”

“I will confess it if you wish, brother.”

“Well, you are right.  Women who resist a great love sometimes yield to fame.”

“I do not hope that.”

“If you do it without this hope you are mad.  Henri, seek no more reasons for this woman’s refusal than that she has neither eyes nor heart.”

“You give me the command, brother?”

“I must, if you will have it so.”

“Can I go to-night?”

“You must, Henri; you understand we cannot wait long.”

“How many men do you give me?”

“A hundred; not more.  I cannot weaken my force here, you know, Henri.”

“Less, if you like, brother.”

“No, I would wish to give you double.  Only promise me, on your honor, that if you meet with more than three hundred men, you will retreat and not get killed.”

“My brother,” said Henri, smiling, “you sell your glory very dear.”

“Then I will neither sell nor give it to you; and another officer shall command.”

“My brother, give your orders and I will execute them.”

“You will only engage with equal, double, or triple forces, but not with more?”

“I swear it.”

“Very well; now, what men would you like to take?”

“Let me take one hundred of the gendarmes of Aunis; I have plenty of friends there, and can choose whom I like.”

“That will do.”

“When shall I set out?”

“At once.  Take one day’s rations for the men and two for the horses.  Remember, I want speedy and certain news.”

“I go, brother; are there any other orders?”

“Do not spread the news of the duke’s death; let it be believed he is here.  Exaggerate my strength, and if you find the duke’s body, although he was a bad man and a poor general, yet, as he belonged to the royal house of France, have it put in an oak coffin and brought back by your men, that he may be buried at St. Denis.”