Gervaise followed him a pace or two behind.

Not until they had passed through the gate of the castle did Sir John turn.
"I have not spoken to you," he said, "as we may have been watched.

Keep your news until we reach the auberge." Upon entering it they went up at once to Sir John Kendall's apartments.
"Well, Sir Gervaise, the strip of cotton was brought to us safely.

What is your news ?" "It is very serious, Sir John, and I have been in terrible anxiety since I dropped it out, lest it should not come to hand in time.

As it is, you have till midnight to make your preparations." He then repeated the statement made by the galley slave.
"By my faith," Sir John Kendall exclaimed, "this is a pretty plot indeed! And had it succeeded, as it certainly would have done but for your vigilance, it would have been a heavy blow to us.