He had the bearing of a lay clerk of some precinct, a verger or sacristan; and after a fashion the dress of one also, for he was in dusty black and wore no sword, though he was girded with a belt.

"No!" he repeated, "but if Madame will come to the gate, and speak to me--" "Madame has other fish to fry," Carlat blurted out.

"Do you think that she has naught to do but listen to messages from a gang of bandits ?" "If she does not listen she will repent it all her life!" the fellow answered hardily.

"That is part of my message." There was a pause while La Tribe considered the matter.

In the end, "From whom do you come ?" he asked.
"From His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor of Saumur," the envoy answered glibly, "and from my Lord Bishop of Angers, him assisting by his Vicar; and from others gathered lawfully, who will as lawfully depart if their terms are accepted.