"But you outstripped it." "Barely," said Wogan.

"Forty miles away I had last night to fight for my life." "But you have the Prince's written consent ?" said Misset.
"I had last night, but I made a spill of it to light my pipe.

There were six men against me.

Had that been found on my dead body, why, there was proof positive of our attempt, and the attempt foiled by sure safeguards.

As it is, if we lie still a little while, their fears will cease and the rumour become discredited." Misset leaned across Gaydon's arm and scanned the letter.
"But her Highness writes most clearly she will not move without that sure token of her father's consent." Wogan drew from his breast pocket a snuff-box made from a single turquoise.
"Here's a token no less sure.