It was with difficulty I found words to assure the king that his commands should be faithfully obeyed.
'Of that I am sure,' he answered with the utmost kindness.

'Where I not, and sure, too, from what I am told of your gallantry when my cousin took Brouage, that you are a man of deeds rather than words, I should not be here with the proposition I am going to lay before you.

It is this.

I can give you no hope of public employment, M.de Marsac, but I can offer you an adventure if adventures be to your taste--as dangerous and as thankless as any Amadis ever undertook.' 'As thankless, sire ?' I stammered, doubting if I had heard aright, the expression was so strange.
'As thankless,' he answered, his keen eyes seeming to read my soul.
'I am frank with you, you see, sir,' he continued, carelessly.

'I can suggest this adventure--it is for the good of the State--I can do no more.