For similar reasons I rejected the idea of applying to the king; and this exhausting the list of those on whom I had any claim, I found myself thrown on my own resources, which seemed limited--my wits failing me at this pinch--to my sword and Simon Fleix.
Assured that I must break out of Blois if I would save not myself only, but others more precious because entrusted to my charge, I thought it no disgrace to appeal to Simon; describing in a lively fashion the danger which threatened us, and inciting the lad by every argument which I thought likely to have weight with him to devise some way of escape.
Now is the time, my friend,' I said, 'to show your wits, and prove that M.de Rosny, who said you had a cunning above the ordinary, was right.
If your brain can ever save your head, now is the time! For I tell you plainly, if you cannot find some way to outmanoeuvre this villain before to-morrow, I am spent.

You can judge for yourself what chance you will have of going free.' I paused at that, waiting for him to make some suggestion.

To my chagrin he remained silent, leaning his head on his hand, and studying the table with his eyes in a sullen fashion; so that I began to regret the condescension I had evinced in letting him be seated, and found it necessary to remind him that he had taken service with me, and must do my bidding.
'Well,' he said morosely, and without looking up, 'I am ready to do it.
But I do not like priests, and this one least of all.

I know him, and I will not meddle with him.' 'You will not meddle with him ?' I cried, almost beside myself with dismay.
'No, I won't,' he replied, retaining his listless attitude.

'I know him, and I am afraid of him.