I smiled scornfully.
'Oh, smile on, monsieur! His troops are now in sight: horse, foot, and artillery coming to the attack.'
'Their arms had been the gleam I saw among the mountains. This night, you say—'
'Nay, this very day—perhaps within an hour, the castle may be taken.'
'And I?'
'Shall be by that time buried deep enough below the pavement of the court, perhaps.'
'What do you mean, villain? They will take the place by storm.'
'Do not flatter yourself; for on reflection, M. Blane, I think they will not. I have made every disposition for a vigorous defence. Let ten thousand come, they are welcome to Phalsbourg.'
'You have some purpose, Count, in visiting me this morning?'
'Of course; I was about to allude to it.'