William de la Marck comes of the blood of the Princes of Sedan, as noble as mine own .-- And now to business.

I must determine the ladies of Croye to a speedy and secret flight, under sure guidance.

This will be easily done--we have but to hint the alternative of surrendering them to Burgundy.

Thou must find means to let William de la Marck know of their motions, and let him choose his own time and place to push his suit.

I know a fit person to travel with them." "May I ask to whom your Majesty commits such an important charge ?" asked the tonsor.
"To a foreigner, be sure," replied the King, "one who has neither kin nor interest in France, to interfere with the execution of my pleasure; and who knows too little of the country and its factions, to suspect more of my purpose than I choose to tell him--in a word, I design to employ the young Scot who sent you hither but now." Oliver paused in a manner which seemed to imply a doubt of the prudence of the choice, and then added, "Your Majesty has reposed confidence in that stranger boy earlier than is your wont." "I have my reasons," answered the King.