He went from the tent, leaving the Sultan alone, awaiting the return of his spies.
It was nearly midday when they got back to the glade. At once they were taken into the royal presence.
"What have you learnt?" the Sultan demanded.
The Arabs bowed low before their ruler.
"Your Highness, the English party has broken up," one replied. "The chief and his officers, with half the soldiers, have gone to a village that lies about half way between here and the fort. And the white lady, his daughter, is left behind, with but fifteen men to guard her."
As Le Breton listened, the task he had set himself appeared even easier than he had imagined.
At the head of his men he would waylay and capture the governor and his party on their return from the village. When this was accomplished he would send off a contingent to seize Pansy.
With this idea in view, he summoned a couple of native officers into his presence.
When they appeared, he gave them various instructions about the matter on hand, and, finally, his plans concerning Pansy.
"No shot must be fired in the presence of the English lady," he finished. "At all costs she must be captured without injury."