“My lord,” he said, “you have asked me to help in the transport of your army across the Channel. [pg 99]Briefly then I have not the means. I have but three ships ready for sea, and not one of these can I spare.”
“The Emperor can command their services,” said Julian.
“I have received no instructions from my master,” returned the Count, “to use them except for the protection of the coast.”
“You have them now,” said Julian, “and you will refuse to obey them at your peril.”
“My commission is made out by Flavius Honorius Augustus, and I know no other to whom I can yield obedience.”
A pause followed this plain speech; the party on board with Constantine debated the situation with some heat, Julian maintaining that the Count must be brought to reason, the others being anxious to keep on good terms with him.
“A single cohort can bring him to order,” cried the young Prince.
“Can drive him out of the villa doubtless,” said the more prudent Constans, “but not bring us an inch nearer getting the ships.”
“We may at least count on your friendship,” said Constans, Julian retiring sulkily from the negotiations; “you will not hinder the passage.”
“I have nothing to do with the disposition of the legions,” answered the Count, “and, as I said [pg 100]before, have no instructions except to defend the shore against the Pirates.”