"
Du Lau answered him approvingly:
"My lord, you reason like a seasoned veteran."
Pleased with the praise Villon turned to the king.
"Sire, I have blown it abroad that your majesty feasts to-night.
While the Duke of Burgundy believes us to be carousing, we shall
make a sortie from St. Anthony's gate. Our horses' hooves will be
muffled, no spur shall jingle, and no bridle clink. We will steal
through the night like shadows. At the cross road some few of us
will make an attack upon the enemy's left and beat a retreat. This
will tempt him into our ambuscade and as I believe end in his rout.
At nine, my lords. Farewell."
He raised his hand in dismissal; the three captains saluted the king
and his minister and passed out of the presence. As they descended
the winding stairs, du Lau said to his companions:
"I do not know your hearts, my lords, but I love this soldier of
fortune."
Nantoillet answered cordially:
"God knows where he came from and God knows where he will go to, but
I would ride with him to the world's end."
"My father," said Poncet de Riviere, "told me often of the Maid of
Orleans and her power with bearded men.
Pages:
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165