“Decidedly, my lord,” said Roland, laughing in his strange way. “You are a capital fellow. Providence in person brought us together. Let us start, my lord, let us start!”
They left Roland’s room; Sir John’s chamber was on the same floor. Roland waited while the Englishman went in for his weapons. He returned a few seconds later, carrying the box in his hand.
“Now, my lord,” asked Roland, “how shall we reach Vaucluse? On horseback or by carriage?”
“By carriage, if you are willing. It is much more convenient in case one is wounded. Mine is waiting below.”
“I thought you had given the order to have it unharnessed?”
“I did, but I sent for the postilion afterward and countermanded it.”
They went downstairs.
“Tom! Tom!” called Sir John at the door, where a servant, in the severe livery of an English groom, was waiting, “take care of this box.”
“Am I going with you, my lord?” asked the servant.
“Yes!” replied Sir John.