These reasons in no way touch Burgundy, and I am sure Your Grace will not wish to intrude upon them.

Within a month, perhaps within a few days, I will enlighten you.

If you will permit me to remain in Peronne, I will communicate my reasons to you personally; if I leave, I will write to Your Grace.

I give my parole that I will, within a month, surrender myself to Your Lordship, if you are not satisfied, upon hearing my explanations, that my word is that of an honorable knight, and my station one worthy of Your Grace's respect.

I hope my Lord d'Hymbercourt and my good friend Castleman will stand as hostages for me in making this pledge." Both men eagerly offered their persons and their estates as hostages, and the duke, turning to the captain of the guard, said:-- "Remove the manacles from these knights." The chains were removed, and the duke, coming down to the last step of the dais, looked into Max's face.
Max calmly returned the fierce gaze without so much as the faltering of an eyelid.
"All step back save this young man," ordered the duke, extending his open palm toward the courtiers.
We all fell away, but the duke said:-- "Farther back, farther back, I say! Don't crowd in like a pack of yokels at a street fight!" Charles was acting under great excitement.