The King has thirty thousand men
at his back, of which twenty thousand are expert men-at-arms. It
is fitting therefore that you make such terms as you may, lest
worse befall."
"Give my greetings to the King of France and tell him that England
will never pay ransom for me. But it seems to me, my Lord
Cardinal, that you have our numbers and condition very ready upon
your tongue, and I would fain know how the eye of a Churchman can
read a line of battle so easily. I have seen that these knights
of your household have walked freely to and fro within our camp,
and I much fear that when I welcomed you as envoys I have in truth
given my protection to spies. How say you, my Lord Cardinal?"
"Fair Prince, I know not how you can find it in your heart or
conscience to say such evil words."
"There is this red-bearded nephew of thine, Robert de Duras. See
where he stands yonder, counting and prying. Hark hither, young
sir! I have been saying to your uncle the Cardinal that it is in
my mind that you and your comrades have carried news of our
dispositions to the French King. How say you?"
The knight turned pale and sank his eyes. "My lord," he murmured,
"it may be that I have answered some questions."
"And how will such answers accord with your honor, seeing that we
have trusted you since you came in the train of the Cardinal?"
"My lord, it is true that I am in the train of the Cardinal, and
yet I am liege man of King John and a knight of France, so I pray
you to assuage your wrath against me.
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