“And he flung his sword of state at the king’s feet, with a clang that made all men start.”
“Well done, well done!” cried Alured, clapping his hands in glee.
“And what said the king?” asked Hugo, who had listened with equal delight.
“What he said I know not, for he went hastily forth of the chamber; this I know, that Bertrand’s men were paid to the last franc ere the month ended, and that he beareth the Constable’s sword still.”
“And how fares he now?” asked Alured, eagerly.
“Ill enow,” said Clisson, shaking his head. “This past year he was taken with a sore sickness, which left him exceeding weak; and the physicians say that if he take not the better care, he must ere long give up his office to another.”
The brothers exchanged a meaning glance.
“Thou art right, Hugo,” said Alured, answering his brother’s look as if he had spoken; “we must see him once more.”
And the end of that winter found them crossing the sea to do so.