"There is certainly something in that, monsieur."
"And if he sent me a warning message, it would be to Cordel's interest to secure it."
"'Twould be easy to test the truth of the matter," said Jacques. "This fellow will be with Monseigneur; let me go to him, and put the question directly. In that way, if you are right, we shall get at the lawyer's schemes in spite of his villainy. I will not loiter on the road, and I don't see how any danger can happen to you before my return."
We talked the plan over, and at length I agreed that Jacques should start on the journey the next morning. I gave him the name of my strange friend, and he promised to get to work with the utmost caution.
"It is possible," I remarked, "you will find him at Blois, and in that case you will have an opportunity of talking with Monsieur Bellièvre. Tell him that Mademoiselle Jeanne is accompanying the Queen of Navarre."
He went to the stables, and I did not see him again until just before my time for going to bed, when he returned looking gloomy and troubled.
"I have been thinking, monsieur," he said rather shamefacedly, "and I am beginning to doubt the wisdom of my advice. If Cordel's ruffians are close at hand, my going away will make their work easier. Now that it comes to the point I do not like leaving you, and that is the truth."
"That's a poor compliment, Jacques!" I laughed; "evidently you don't think I can take care of myself."
"The poor fellow they brought here this morning was as strong as you, and had as much experience, but he is dead all the same."
"I will take care, Jacques; I will go only into the village, and if it will make you feel more easy, Urie shall sleep here at night all the time you are away."