"How so?" I asked.
"Cordel has been in the village, and has gone off in a towering passion. It seems he has only just learned of your arrival, and has let fall several threats to old Pierre."
"Pshaw!" I exclaimed, "what harm can the fellow do us?"
"I do not know, monsieur; but he is a false knave and full of cunning. He will play you a nasty trick if he can find a way!"
"We will wait till that time comes," I replied cheerfully, thinking Jacques had magnified the danger.
Cordel did not tax my patience long. The very next afternoon an officer with an escort of twenty troopers, clattering up to the drawbridge, demanded admittance in the king's name. He was accompanied by the lawyer, and, knowing it would be folly to offer resistance, I ordered the bridge to be lowered.
"Edmond Le Blanc?" said the officer brusquely.
"Permit me to put you right," I replied: "the Sieur Le Blanc!"
He looked at Cordel, who said, "No one bears that name now. His father was outlawed, and his estate confiscated. The castle belongs to the king; this fellow has no right here, and," viciously, "I doubt if he has a right to his life. In any case, as the king's representative, I order you to arrest him!"
"You will be responsible?" asked the officer, who seemed suddenly to have become somewhat timorous. "You will give me an order in writing?"