"And look you, sirrah," he continued with a curse, "see that it be to the purpose!" "If it be a question of your Majesty's service," Tavannes answered, "and obedience to your Majesty's orders, I am deeper in it than he who stands there!" with a sign towards the priest.

"I give my word for that.

And I will prove it." "How, sir ?" Charles cried.

"How, how, how?
How will you prove it ?" "By doing for you, sire, what he will not do!" Tavannes answered scornfully.

"Let him stand out, and if he will serve his Church as I will serve my King--" "Blaspheme not!" cried the priest.
"Chatter not!" Tavannes retorted hardily, "but do! Better is he," he continued, "who takes a city than he who slays women! Nay, sire," he went on hurriedly, seeing the King start, "be not angry, but hear me! You would send to Biron, to the Arsenal?
You seek a messenger, sire?
Then let the good father be the man.