Desmond then related how he had caused the piles of barrels to be opened out, so that he could examine those next to the wall as well as those in front; and how he had similarly examined the other stores.

“Very good, indeed, sir,” the king said.  “Most officers would have contented themselves with, at most, counting the number of barrels and sacks; and that you should have so thoroughly investigated the matter shows both zeal and shrewdness.”

“He has shown that on various occasions,” the duke said, “as you may judge from the promotion that he has received.  As you see, by the loss of his hand, he has suffered as well as fought on behalf of France.  When Your Majesty is at leisure I will, some evening, relate to you a story which I heard from the king himself, of the manner in which he, twice, rescued a fair damsel from an evil-minded noble who carried her off.”

“I shall hear it with pleasure, cousin.  You say he holds only temporary rank.  I think that, after the signal service he has rendered, it should be made substantial.”

“I certainly intend to make it so,” the duke said.

“Pardon, sir,” Desmond said, “but, while thanking you for your kindness, I would beg to be allowed to remain a captain.  Already I have obtained more promotion than others have done, after many years of good service, and I should regret very much passing over the heads of so many of my old companions.”

“It is the first time that I have had promotion declined,” the duke said, smiling.  “However, for the present, at least, I will let the matter remain so.”

With an expression of warm thanks, Desmond retired.

“We must lose no time over this matter,” the king said.  “For aught we know, this scoundrel may be in communication with the enemy, and may be prepared to open the gates of the fortress at the first summons.”

“I will act at once,” the duke replied.  “I will, this evening, send orders to Toledo for a regiment to march at nine o’clock tomorrow morning, and, if you will send a similar order to Colonel Crofton, he will overtake the infantry before they get to Almarez.”

“I will do so, and will also send with them three field officers, with full power to arrest, try, and execute all those who have taken part in this treacherous fraud.”

On the duke leaving the king, Desmond joined him in the antechamber, and as they walked towards the French headquarters, said: 

“I hope, sir, that you will permit me to start tomorrow with any force you may be sending, as I wish to carry out the rest of the mission with which you entrusted me.”

“By all means, do so if you wish it,” the duke said.  “Colonel Crofton’s regiment will start at nine o’clock tomorrow morning, and you may accompany it.  On the road it will overtake one of our regiments from Toledo.”

Chapter 16:  Captured.