"In that case, let me see the corselet."
"Here it is, monsieur."
I tried it on, and finding it would suit, and that the workmanship was of rare excellency, demanded the price.
Barou hummed as he tapped the shining steel with his finger and glanced at me from under his bushy brows.
"Monsieur must have but lately joined the guards?" he asked, ignoring my question.
"A matter of a few hours."
"Ah! I thought so. I know them all, monsieur. First there is Messire
Blaise de Lorgnac, the lieutenant——"
"Maître Barou, it will take till to-morrow to go over the names. What is your price?"
"Ho! ho! messire, you grow impatient. 'Tis Aranguez plate this, as you may see—the best work of Spain, down to the buckles. Ho! ho! messire, only two good things ever came from Spain: one is good armour, and the other pretty women——"
"And I presume, Maître Barou, they are both expensive things; but the price of your corselet, for my time is short."