“That also is my affair.”
“Of course; these gentlemen will understand. You choose to ride abroad unrecognized. And, doubtless, messire, you were at the fight before Josselin town?”
Bertrand bent his head.
“You did not fight for us.”
“I fought for neither side.”
Bodegat and the listeners laughed aloud.
“Messire du Guesclin, you are a prudent soldier. And yet you had heard that Beaumanoir had offered five thousand crowns for the Fleming’s head.”
“I had heard it.”
“Five thousand crowns, good money, for striking off a Fleming’s head, perhaps while he was asleep.”
This last taunt brought Bertrand’s patience down. He sprang at Bodegat, only to be dragged back and to find a couple of spear-points at his throat.