"It is an order allowing you to leave Amboise, wherever you may wish to go," said he. "With this paper you are entirely at liberty. And you may be sure that I would not give any such mark of esteem and confidence to the Prince de Condé, whom you just mentioned, and that the moment he sets foot in this château he will be watched from a distance like an enemy, and guarded unknowingly as closely as a prisoner."
"In that case, I refuse this mark of your confidence and esteem, Monseigneur," said Gabriel.
"What! Why so?" asked the amazed duke.
"Monseigneur, do you know whither I shall go at once, if you allow me to leave Amboise?"
"That is your affair, and I do not even ask to know," rejoined Le Balafré.
"But I propose to tell you," said Gabriel. "When I leave you, Monseigneur, I shall go to fulfil my other duty: I shall go at once among the rebels, and shall seek for one of them at Noizai."
"At Noizai? Castelnau is in command there," remarked the duke.
"Yes, he is; you are indeed well informed in every detail, Monseigneur."
"What do you propose to do at Noizai, my unfortunate friend?" Le Balafré asked him.
"Ah, what shall I do indeed? Say to them, 'You summoned me, and I am here; but I can do nothing for you;' and if they question me as to what I have heard and noticed on the road, I must keep silent and not warn them of the trap that you have laid for them, for your confidence in me takes away my right to do that. Therefore, Monseigneur, I ask a favor at your hands—"