"However," said another voice, "some fancied they could distinguish preparations for attack in the camp this evening."
"Mere suspicions," said the burgomaster; "I examined the camp myself with an excellent spy-glass. The men were preparing for sleep, and the duke was dining in his tent."
The unknown threw a new glance at the prince, and fancied that this time he gave a slight smile.
"Gentlemen," said the unknown, "you are in error; a regular assault is preparing against you, and your plans, however good, are incomplete."
"But, monseigneur—"
"Incomplete in this, that you expect an attack, and have prepared to meet it."
"Certainly."
"Well, it is you who will make the attack, not wait for it, if you will trust to me."—"Ah!" cried William, "that is something like speaking."
"At this moment," said the stranger, who saw that he might reckon on the prince's support, "the ships of M. de Joyeuse are getting ready."
"How do you know that, monseigneur?" cried many voices together.