through. Do not forget, Jacques, that a shrewd brain will pay better
than a strong arm in this venture."

"We will be as prudent as the Admiral himself, monsieur," declared
Jacques, as he vaulted into the saddle; and, with a last word of counsel
from my father, we crossed the drawbridge and rode down the hill to the
high road.

"'Tis a long journey before us, monsieur, and an unexpected one,"
observed my companion, as, turning sharply to the left, we rode through
the still sleeping village. "'Tis odd what a chance encounter may bring
about; but for the Sieur's meeting with the wounded man we should still
be snug abed. There is some one stirring at the inn. Old Pierre will be
none too pleased at having guests who rise so early; but there, 'twill
be another coin or so to add to his hoard."

"Pierre is a wise man," I said.

"I think not, monsieur. There is little wisdom in saving money for
others to spend. The king's troopers will ride through here some day,
and Pierre will be a cunning man if they do not strip him as bare as a
trussed fowl. 'Tis more satisfactory these days to spend one's money
while one has the chance. And things will never be any better until they
send the Italian woman out of the country."

Jacques generally spoke of the Queen-Mother as the Italian woman, and he
regarded her as the chief cause of all our troubles.

"She cares for no one but herself," he continued, "not even for the boy
king, and the Guises have her under their thumb. What with them and her