Nambu was right; Chicot had traversed the antechambers silently, but still he was not able to keep his spurs from sounding, which made several people turn, and bow when they saw who it was.
The captain came out five minutes after Chicot, went down the steps across the court proudly and with a satisfied air; proud of his person, and pleased that the king had received him so well, and without any suspicions of M. de Guise. As he crossed the drawbridge, he heard behind him steps which seemed to be the echo of his own. He turned, thinking that the king had sent some message to him, and great was his stupefaction to see behind him the demure face of Robert Briquet. It may be remembered that the first feeling of these two men about one another had not been exactly sympathetical.
Borromée opened his mouth, and paused; and in an instant was joined by Chicot.
"Corboeuf!" said Borromée.
"Ventre de biche!" cried Chicot.
"The bourgeois!"
"The reverend father!"
"With that helmet!"
"With that buff coat!"
"I am surprised to see you."