"Well, Gabriel," began the duke, "you ought to know by this time why I have sent for you."
"I suspect the reason, but am not altogether sure of it, Monseigneur," Gabriel replied.
"The Protestants are in open rebellion," said Le Balafré, "and are in arms, and on their way to attack the Château d'Amboise,—that is our latest intelligence."
"It is a grievous and appalling state of things," observed Gabriel, reflecting on his own situation.
"Why, my friend, it is a magnificent opportunity," retorted the duke.
"What do you mean, Monseigneur?" said Gabriel, in amazement.
"I mean that the Huguenots expect to surprise us, whereas we are all ready for them. I mean that their plans are discovered and betrayed. It is fair warfare, since they have been the first to draw the sword; but our enemies are about to deliver themselves into our hands. They are lost, I tell you."
"Is it possible?" exclaimed the Comte de Montgommery, completely crushed.
"Judge for yourself," continued Le Balafré, "to what extent all the details of their insane enterprise are known to us. On the 16th of March, at noon, they are to assemble before the town and attack us. They have friends in the king's guard; therefore the guard was changed. Their friends were to open the western gate to them; but that gate is walled up. Lastly, their different bands were to proceed secretly hither through certain paths in the forest of Château-Begnault. The royal troops will fall upon these detached parties unexpectedly as fast as they appear, and will not allow half of their forces to reach Amboise. We are accurately informed, and thoroughly upon our guard, I should say!"
"Thoroughly!" replied Gabriel, in great alarm. "But who has been able to furnish you with such complete information?" he added in his perplexity, and without realizing what he said.