"Very well; now, what men would you like to take?"
"Let me take one hundred of the gendarmes of Aunis; I have plenty of friends there, and can choose whom I like."
"That will do."
"When shall I set out?"
"At once. Take one day's rations for the men and two for the horses. Remember, I want speedy and certain news."
"I go, brother; are there any other orders?"
"Do not spread the news of the duke's death; let it be believed he is here. Exaggerate my strength, and if you find the duke's body, although he was a bad man and a poor general, yet, as he belonged to the royal house of France, have it put in an oak coffin and brought back by your men, that he may be buried at St. Denis."
"Good, brother; now, is this all?"
"All! but promise me once more, Henri, you are not deceiving me—you will not seek death?"
"No, brother; I had that thought when I came to join you, but I have it no longer."