"Much less dangerous though," and, turning to me, he added: "Can you carry a letter to the commandant at Cognac?"
"Then make your preparations; I shall be ready for you at the end of two hours."
I saluted and returned to the ante-chamber, where Felix, catching sight of my smiling face, exclaimed: "More good fortune, Edmond? I shall be jealous of you soon! Why do the Fates select you for their favours?"
"It is an affair of little importance," I said.
"Does it carry you away from Rochelle?"
"A short distance; but I must attend to my horse; our patron is in a hurry," and expecting that we should meet later I hurried away.
Having saddled my horse and put my pistols in order I paid a hasty visit home, though fully expecting to be back in the city within a few days. My father, however, thought my absence would be for a longer period.
"The truth is, Edmond," he said, "that the campaign has opened. Some of the troops have already started, and Coligny himself leaves the city before night. So, should you be charged with a message for him, you are not likely to return to Rochelle."
"And you?" I asked.