Argyle is ready."

"Well, your Majesty," said Lane, shaking his head. "I see you're
resolved. You shall not find me backward when the time comes, for
all my doubts at this meeting. To your Majesty's happy success."
They all drank the toast; but I noticed that Mr. Lane looked
melancholy, as though he foresaw something of what actually
happened in that terrible June.

"Very good," said the Duke, "I thank you, gentlemen. Now, Jermyn.
We two shall have to be off to the Low Countries in another half
hour. How about messengers to the West? You, Lane, are tied here
to your regiment. Falk, how about you, Falk?"

"No, your Majesty," said Falk. "There's danger in sending me. I'm
suspected. I'm known to be in your interests."

"You, then, Candlish," said the Duke to the man with the
eyebrows.

"Not me, Sire," said Candlish. "I can't disguise myself. I'm
stamped by nature for the paths of virtue."

"It would be a good thing," said Falk, "if we could get some
Western carrier."

"The Western carriers are all watched," Lane replied. "They are
followed, wherever they go, as on as they arrive at their inns
here."