"Will you do me a kindness? Leave this business to me. I am curious to see how these people understand the laws of war, and how they will receive me."
"My brother is free."
"Wait for me here, then, and do not make a move during my absence."
The young man took off his weapons, which he handed to his servant.
"What?" Ivon remarked. "Are you going, my lord, in this state among those heretics?"
"How else should I go? You know very well that a flag of truce has nothing to fear."
"That is possible," the Breton said, very slightly convinced; "but if your lordship will believe me, you will, at least, keep your pistols in your belt; for an accident happens so easily, and you do not know among what sort of people you are going."
"You are mad!" the Count said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Well, then, as you are going unarmed to speak with people who do not inspire me with the slightest confidence, I must ask your lordship to permit me to accompany you."
"You, nonsense!" the young man said, laughing. "You know very well that you are a wonderful coward; that's agreed on."