"I cannot tell; I am nothing more than a messenger."

"'Twas said last night you were the bearer of startling news. There was
whisper of a plot to swoop down upon the Admiral and on Condé, and to
whisk them off to Paris. Faith, if the Guises once got them there we
should see little of them again."

"Why has the Admiral no soldiers?"

"Because he is too honourable to distrust others. He believes they will
keep their word. As for me, I would as soon trust a starving wolf as a
Guise, or the Queen-Mother. The Admiral is foolish, but he is too
good-hearted to think about himself."

Praise of the Admiral entered largely into Bellièvre's conversation, as
indeed it did into that of all his retinue. No one was so wise or
strong, so full of courage and good sense, so patient and forbearing, so
grand and noble as Gaspard de Coligny. It was hero worship, perhaps, but
hero worship of the truest kind. Not one of his household but would have
died for him.

"Do you know," I said presently, "that the Admiral is coming to Noyers?"

"And his gentlemen! It looks as if rumour for once spoke true."

"But we cannot defend ourselves at Noyers against an army!"

"No, that is impossible. Besides, our leaders must be free, or there
will be no one to command the troops. Fancy an army without Condé or the
Admiral at its head!" and he laughed merrily.