"God knows!" he said curtly. "Lesellè, dear lad, fetch a light. Mademoiselle, can you ride boy-fashion?"
"Yes, yes; Monsieur de Commines, what has happened?"
"Blaise, you and she are about a size. Fetch her a riding suit, then saddle Bay Zadok and Mesrour; quick, boy, quick!"
"But, Monseigneur——"
"One moment, Mademoiselle, here is Lesellè. Thanks, lad. Listen now. You know the Poictiers road by Sainte Maure and Chatellerault?"
"Yes, Monseigneur."
"Even in the darkness?"
"Yes, Monseigneur."
"I have Sir John's leave to borrow you for to-night. It is a race for life, boy, and there must be no mistakes."
"I understand, Monseigneur. When do we start?"