“Then at the hazard of my life I must perform mv duty,” rejoined Warthy, boldly. “I now proclaim to all your followers that if they shall aid you in holding this castle against their sovereign lord and king, to whom, and not to you, they owe fealty and homage, they will be guilty of lèse-majesté, and will be treated as rebels and traitors.”
“Will your highness allow this insolent fellow to brave you thus?” cried Pomperant, furiously. “Order his instant execution.”
Warthy did not blench, though he felt he was in a most critical position.
“Remember, I am sent hither by the king,” he said.
“The king cannot save you!” cried Tansannes.
“No, but he can avenge me,” replied Warthy, resolutely.
“The audacious spy deserves a dog's death,” cried François du Peloux. “Let him be hanged at once.”
“Or flung from the battlements,” said Saint-Saphorin.
“No,” said Bourbon; “he has given his tongue unwarrantable license, but he has come hither as the king's messenger, and his person is safe. You must be content to remain here till to-morrow, Messire de Warthy, when you will take a letter from me to the king. The Bishop of Autun, who is here, shall accompany you, in order that he may explain my conduct to his majesty.”
“I must perforce remain as long as your highness chooses,” replied Warthy.