It was a glorious day, with a fresh breeze tempering the heat of the sun, and we rode along gaily. My comrade had already learned habits of caution, but there was really no danger, and late in the afternoon we reached Noyers, where, after a short delay, I was admitted into Condé's presence.
He had received a message from Tanlay some hours previously, and he said at once: "You are Edmond Le Blanc, who brought the packet from La Rochelle."
"From the Castle of Le Blanc, my lord, where it was given me by Ambroise Devine."
"Ah, yes, he was attacked and wounded. What did he tell you?"
"That troops were being collected secretly to surround Tanlay and Noyers, that the banks of the Loire were guarded"—the Prince gave a start of surprise—and that unless you moved quickly, your escape would be cut off."
"And you rode from Le Blanc to Tanlay? Did you hear anything of this on the journey?"
"No, my lord, but there seemed to be a general feeling of uneasiness abroad, as if people thought something strange was about to happen."
"Did you notice any movement of troops?"
"No, my lord."
"Where did you cross the Loire?"