The next day the chaplain brought me a purse of money, with a kindly message from the chief, who had gone to attend the king, and I told Jacques to prepare for setting out early in the morning.
"Are we going to Paris?" he asked, and I laughed at the amazed expression of his face on hearing that we were about to return home.
"'Tis a long story," I said, "but there will be ample time to tell it on the journey."
I wished my comrades farewell, and early in the morning took my departure from Blois, Felix riding a short distance with me.
"I would we were travelling the whole journey together," he said; "but as that is out of the question I shall pray for your speedy return. Good-bye, Edmond, till we meet again."
"And may that be soon!" I exclaimed warmly.
CHAPTER XVIII
A Warning from L'Estang
The hour being late when we reached Le Blanc, Jacques proposed that we should put up at the inn. Old Pierre came bustling out with a hearty welcome; the horses were stabled, a room was prepared, and by the time we had removed the traces of our journey Pierre brought in a substantial and appetising supper.