Therefore it was that Robert de Comines, the leader of the Inquisitorial party, thought it well to have a strong body of men with him in case it became necessary to force his way into the chateau.
First posting soldiers at every entrance to the grounds, Comines marched to the great gate and demanded admittance. Michol, who had received notice that a large body of men was approaching, and who felt quite sure that he knew who they were, gave some orders to his under-officers and hastened to the gate.
"Who may you be?" said Michol from the window in the gate, "and why come you here? These gates open, now, to no visitors, friends or foes."
Comines did not see fit to state the object of his visit, nor to exhibit his authority, and without answering Michol's questions, he asked another.
"Are you the captain of the robbers who have seized upon this chateau?" he said.
"I am the captain of the good and valiant cotereaux, who hold this chateau and its belongings as a warranty for a just and righteous debt," answered Michol. "Have you aught to say to me concerning the matter?"
"I have something to say to you," replied Comines, "which you will do well to hear, and that speedily. Open the gate and let me enter."
"If you wish to speak with me," answered Michol, "I am ready to hear what you have to say. But you need not enter, fair sir. I will come out to you."
"No, no!" cried the other. "I must go in. Open the gate!"
"That will I, gladly," said Michol, "but it must be for me to go out and not for you to come in. This is not my dwelling, nor are these my lands. I meet my friends and foes in the forest and on the road."