“But not to brutally slay the King’s guest. I am a chirurgien, and you may take my word.”
The captain took a candle in his hand and held it over the rough pallet where Francis lay, and satisfied himself that Leoni’s words were true.
“Is the injury bad?” he said quietly.
“Bad, but not dangerous if he is left undisturbed.”
“And if I consent to defer our departure till the morning, what then?”
“I cannot say for certain, sir,” replied Leoni, “but I think it may be possible, with care.”
“Very well,” said the captain; “but I give you warning, gentlemen, that any attempt at an escape—”
“Bah!” ejaculated Leoni contemptuously. “Are we likely to leave our master?”
“Perhaps not,” said the captain, with a bluff laugh, “but you might try to take him.”
“In a litter?” said Leoni mockingly.