I nodded.

“And you agree?”

“Proceed, Monsieur,” I said.

“You were with Cadillac?” he asked.

“At Montauban—yes, Monsieur.”

“Come, no lies. He is near by.”

“No nearer than Montauban, Monsieur.”

He glared at me for a moment, but my strength had come back to me, and this time I could meet his gaze without shrinking.

“Then what do you and Fronsac here?” he demanded.

“My friend carries a message to Madame,” I answered readily, glad to find an answer that was near the truth. “He chose me to ride hither with him.”