What a fool, a treble fool, he had been! He, an old soldier, who had seen something of war, to walk with open eyes into such a trap! The king had chosen him of all men, as a trusty messenger, and yet he had failed him--and failed him so ignominiously, without shot fired or sword drawn.

He was warned, too, warned by a young man who knew nothing of court intrigue, and who was guided only by the wits which Nature had given him.

De Catinat dashed himself down upon the leather cushion in the agony of his thoughts.
But then came a return of that common-sense which lies so very closely beneath the impetuosity of the Celt.

The matter was done now, and he must see if it could not be mended.

Amos Green had escaped.