"I was hunting Lucas. When does Monsieur return, Vigo?"
"He thought he might be back to-day. But he could not tell."
"Have you sent to tell him about me?" he asked, colouring.
"No, I couldn't do that," Vigo said. "You see, it is quite on the cards that the Spanish gang may come hither to clean us out. I want every man I have if they do."
"I understand that," M. Étienne said, "but—"
"So long as you are innocent a day or two matters not," Vigo pronounced. "He will presently turn up here or send word that he will not return till the king comes in. But since you are impatient, M. le Comte, you can go to him at St. Denis. If he can get through the gates you can."
"Aye, but I have business in Paris. I mean to join King Henry, Vigo. There's glory going begging out there at St. Denis. It would like me well to bear away my share. But—"
He broke off, to begin again abruptly:
"Ah, Vigo, that still tongue of yours! You knew, then, that there was more cause of trouble between my father and me than the pistoles?"
"I knew he suspected you of a kindness for the League, monsieur. But you are cured of that."