"They will do; we have met under many different circumstances, and I know them to be brave men."
"Your Majesty is right," replied Lord Clinton, "they will do their duty or die in endeavouring to fulfil it."
Then Philip addressed the Englishmen.
Their mission required secrecy, speed, courage and endurance. They were to make close inspection of the fortifications, guns, material of war, and the garrison of Calais with Lord Wentworth's help, to whom he had written. This letter, which he now gave them, must never fall into the hands of the enemy, to whom it would reveal all his suspicions and plans. He delivered this letter into the hands of Monsieur de Fynes, as the eldest of the three. If danger befell them it were better that the two younger men should perish, so long as the bearer of the letter escaped. If he fell into the hands of the foe let him see that the letter was destroyed at all hazards. The perilous part of their journey would be the portion of it which lay in French territory, but twelve hours hard riding would carry them into Flanders, after which there would be little danger, yet let them never remit their precautions.
The King then handed to each man a heavy purse of gold wherewith to defray expenses, the surplus, if any, would be their own.
"I hear the sound of your horses outside the tent," said the King; "have I made all explicit, is there any question you would like to ask?"
The young men looked at each other. Then Geoffrey spoke—
"Your Majesty may rely on our carrying out your gracious commands, or we shall perish in the attempt. We have but one thing to suggest, and that is that our three faithful servants may accompany us; they can ride our own horses and they will be of great service to us."
The King and Lord Clinton conversed in low tones, then Clinton announced their decision.
"His Majesty agrees to your request," he said; "we think it will attract less observation and suspicion if three gentlemen be accompanied by their serving men than if they travelled alone: it is a wise suggestion on your part."