Page:A courier of fortune (1904).djvu/275

Rh Pascal waited a few seconds and then sauntered back in the direction of the gate. He had learned enough and was anxious to get away. As he crossed the courtyard luck favoured him: Captain Bassot with another officer came out of his quarters.

"I have to report myself, captain," said Pascal, with a salute.

"What madcap folly now?" said the captain sternly, repressing astonishment at seeing Pascal.

"Nothing serious this time, captain."

"Well, let me hear it," and with an excuse to the officer he turned aside with Pascal. "In the name of the saints, why do you venture here? How is it with the young lord Gerard?"

"All well, so far. Housed safely at Malincourt yonder, where, had we but powder, we could hold out against the Governor's forces for days. Can you think of any means of getting us some?"

"What, in broad daylight from here?"

"Without it we are like to be in a sorry plight."

"There is no thought of his being at Malincourt. They are searching for him in the city but believe he has fled. Hundreds of horsemen are out on the hunt on every road and in every direction."

"And our men?"

"Are mostly here. It was held they were too new to the place to be much good in hunting for the fugitives."

"How many men other than ours are here?" asked Pascal eagerly.

"Some two or maybe three hundred."

"God, what a chance!" cried Pascal. "See, Bassot, couldn't we get the men together and while the Duke's away seize the Castle itself? It is Dubois' plan. While you are getting ready here I could fetch the rest of our fellows from Malincourt. It would be a stroke worthy of us."