“You are to let them in by the stable door?”

“Yes, Excellency, at two o’clock. They could force their way in even without my help.”

I paid no heed to his attempt at exculpation. “What is your name? The name they know you by?”

“Michel.”

“How many men servants are in the house?”

“Two besides myself. Two are away, Excellency.”

“Anyone sleeping in the stables?”

“No one, Excellency.”

“Any of the others know of your plan?”

“No, Excellency.”