"That is quite true," replied Gabriel.
"Nevertheless, we thought that you would come," continued Castelnau, "for the letter of that hot-headed baron gave you no information as to what was going on, and I am intrusted with the duty of informing you of our plan and our hopes."
"I am listening," said the Comte de Montgommery.
Castelnau then repeated to Gabriel everything that the Duc de Guise had previously told him in detail.
Gabriel saw with horror how exact Le Balafré's information was. Not one single point in the report of his spies and informers was inaccurate, nor had they omitted to apprise him of one single detail of the plot.
The conspirators were really lost beyond recall.
"Now you know everything," said Castelnau, as he brought his narration to a close, leaving his listener a prey to most cruel perplexity. "I have now only to put to you a question to which I can easily forecast your reply. I am right, am I not, in thinking that you cannot join us?"
"I cannot," replied Gabriel, sadly shaking his head.
"Very good!" added Castelnau; "we shall be none the less good friends for that. I know that you stipulated in advance for the privilege of holding aloof from the combat; and you are doubly entitled to exercise it, since we are sure of victory."
"Are you then indeed so sure?" asked Gabriel, significantly.