If our escort does not come before we reach Moulins, I shall begin to think that your suggestion was correct, and that my messenger has indeed been intercepted and slain." Desmond could not gainsay the truth of his friend's calculation, but he said: "Possibly, Philip, instead of being attacked by the way, de Tulle's agents might rob him of his letter at one of the inns at which he put up.

Did he know its contents ?" "Yes.

I told him that it contained an order for the majordomo to ride, with a troop of twelve men, to meet us, and that he was to give what aid he could in getting them together as quickly as possible; so that, even if robbed of the letter, he might still be able to fulfil his mission.

Not, I own, that I thought of that at the time, for the idea that he might be stopped never once entered my mind." At Nevers, Desmond went round to all the inns in the town, to enquire if any body of men had put up at that place, but without success.

When he related his failure to obtain any news to Philip, the latter said: "Well, we must hope that we shall meet them before we arrive at Moulins.