‘Dear Count Dillon,—Give me the earliest and fullest information with respect to a young countryman of yours, Fitzgerald, called “L’Écossais.” May we employ him on a mission of secrecy and importance? It is of consequence—that is, it were far better—that the person intrusted with our commands were not a Frenchman——’
The Prince had but written so much as Gerald entered, and he now sat calmly watching the effect produced upon the young soldier as he read it.
‘Am I to answer for myself, ‘Monseigneur,’ said he modestly.
‘It is exactly what I intended,’ was the calm reply.
‘I can pledge for my fidelity and devotion, sir, but not for any skill or ability to execute your orders.’
‘They will require little beyond speed and exactitude. You know Paris well?’
‘Perfectly, sir.’
‘At the Rue de Turenne there is a small street called l’Avenue aux Abois—do you know it?—well, the second or third house, I am not sure which, is inhabited by a gentleman called the Count Mirabeau.’
‘He who spoke so lately at the Assembly?’
‘The same. You will see him, and induce him to repair with you to St. Cloud. Haste is everything. If your mission speed well, you can be at St. Cloud by noon to-morrow. It is possible that the Count may distrust your authority to make this appointment, for I dare not give you anything in writing; you will then show him this ring, which he will recognise as mine. Spare no entreaties to accomplish the object, nor, so far as you are able, permit anything to thwart it. Let nothing that you see or hear divert you from your purpose. Pay no attention to the events at Paris, whatever they be. You have one object—only one—that Count Mirabeau reach the Château de St. Cloud by the earliest moment possible, and in secrecy. Remember that, sir—in secrecy.’