"Yes," replied Manasés, "and he will punish also the noble lords and counts who profit by every opportunity to get an award of some fragment of Church property! But enough on this subject.--As we have already agreed, the King must know nothing more than he knows already. Above all, conceal your personal arrangements with Barbarossa; that of itself would suffice to enrage him."
"Must he then not be informed of the determination which has been taken to bring Alexander before the Council, whether he will or not?"
"That must depend on circumstances. Let me act first; I will give you notice in due time. I will go to work at once. Come to the Court to-morrow."
"Why not to-day?" the Count asked.
"Because I must first prepare the King's mind. But be perfectly easy; you are wearied by this long journey and need rest.--Louis, you know, is very sympathetic in all bodily ailments."
"Very well, we understand each other perfectly. Farewell."
The Count accompanied the Chancellor to the courtyard, where the latter mounted his horse and rode over to meet the King.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
KNAVERY.
At sunrise, Antonio was prowling about the vicinity of the Count of Champagne's castle. He passed the park-gates, and, cautious as a fox in search of his prey, concealed himself behind a clump of bushes near the court-yard, whence he could perceive what was going on in the building.