His first visit was to Montfort’s tower, one of the four flanking the main body of the Castle.

“Well, Master Thibault Sanchez, or, if you like it better, Le Borgne Basque,” cried he, “thank you for saving us some trouble.  You have found yourself a convenient prison there, and I hope you are at your ease.”

“We shall see how you are at your ease, Master Gaston le Maure,” retorted Sanchez from the depths of the tower, “when another Borgne shall make his appearance, and string you up as a traitor to King Charles, your liege lord.”

“Le Borgne Basque talking of traitors and such gear!” returned Gaston; “but he will tell a different tale when the succours come from the Prince.”

“Ha! ha!” laughed Thibault, “a little bird whispered in mine ear that you may look long for succour from Bordeaux.”

This was, in a great measure, Gaston’s own conviction; but he only replied the more vehemently that it could not fail, since neither Knights nor Castles were so lightly parted with, and that he trusted soon to have the satisfaction of seeing the inhabitants of the tower receive the reward of their treachery.

Thus they parted—­Thibault, perfectly well satisfied to remain where he was, since he had little doubt that Oliver de Clisson’s speedy arrival would set him at liberty, and turn the tables upon Gaston; and Gaston, glad that, since he could not at present have the satisfaction of hanging him, he was in a place where he could do no mischief, and whence he could not escape.

Now the warder on the watch-tower blew a blast, and every eye was turned towards the eastern part of the country, where, in the direction of Carcassonne, was to be seen a thick cloud of dust, from which, in due time, were visible the flashes of armour, and the points of weapons.  Gaston, having given his orders, and quickened the activity of each man in his small garrison, hurried down to bear the tidings to Sir Eustace, and to array himself in his own brightest helmet and gayest surcoat.

Ascending again to the battlements, he could see the enemy approaching, could distinguish the banner of Clisson, and count the long array of men-at-arms and crossbow-men as they pursued their way through the bright green landscape, now half hidden by a rising ground, now slowly winding from its summit.

At last they came to the foot of the slope.  Gaston had already marked the start and pause, which showed when they first recognized the English standard; and there was another stop, while they ranged themselves in order, and, after a moment’s interval, a man-at-arms rode forward towards the postern door, looked earnestly at it, and called “Sanchez!”

“Shoot him dead!” said Gaston to an English crossbow-man who stood beside him; “it is the villain Tristan, on poor Ferragus.”

The arblast twanged, and Tristan fell, while poor Ferragus, after starting violently, trotted round to the well-known gate, and stood there neighing.  “Poor fellow!” said Gaston, “art calling Brigliador?  I would I knew he had sped well.”