Before nightfall he had made his dispositions for a very risky business.

He set aside the Viscount of Beziers, Bertram Count of Roussillon, Gaston of Bearn, to go with him, not because they were the best men by any means, but so that he might leave the best men in charge.

These were certainly the Dauphin, the Viscount of Limoges, and the Count of Angoulesme, each of whom he had proved as an enemy in his day.

'Gentlemen,' he said to these three, 'I am about to go upon a journey.

Of you I shall require a little attention, certain patience, exact obedience.