"_Ciel!_" he said, "you are the last man I expected to meet, and you want to see the duke, come with me then."
On the way I told him of the success of my attempt to free Angiola.
"We have just heard of it," he said, "and it has gone far in your favour. In fact Madame de la Tremouille, who is back again, could speak of nothing else at supper this evening. It was a brave deed, and I envied your luck, cavalier."
I told him of my plan, enquiring if he thought Tremouille would give me the assistance I wanted, pointing out that the movement of any troops, where I wanted the detachment to go, could not possibly be taken as a breach of the truce.
"As for the truce," he made answer, "it is in the air. The king has really left Maçon at last. It is said that the advance guard under the Seneschal of Beauçaire has already crossed the Ombrone. Tremouille cannot possibly refuse, and here we are."
We pulled up at the entrance to a large pavilion, out of whose open door a broad band of light streamed into the night.
"Follow me," said Bayard, and I did so, the guards saluting respectfully as we entered.
I had not time to look about me, but saw that Tremouille, who was in his armour, was pacing up and down the tent, with his limping gait, and dictating a despatch to his secretary. He stopped short in his walk, and greeting Bayard cheerfully, looked at me with a grave surprise.
"This is M. di Savelli," said Bayard, "he has business of such importance with your excellency, that I have taken it upon myself to bring him here."
The duke glanced at me keenly, the thin lines of his lips closing together.
"Are you aware of the risk you run by coming to my camp?" he asked.
"I am perfectly aware, your excellency, but----"
"You must either be a fool, or a very brave man," he interrupted.
"I lay claim to neither honour, my lord, and I take the risk: will you hear me?"
He nodded, and I laid my proposal before him. When I had finished his face expressed approval.
"Very well," he said, "I will detach Hawkwood. If you succeed, hand the money over to him."
"I understand, my lord," and bowing I retired. As I reached the door of the pavilion, I heard the duke's voice again:
"Succeed in this, and count me as a friend. I give you the word of Tremouille."