.

BOOT AND SADDLE.
As was natural, I meditated deeply and far into the night on the difficulties of the task, entrusted to me.

I saw that it fell into two parts: the release of the lady, and her safe conduct to Blois, a distance of sixty leagues.

The release I thought it probable I could effect single-handed, or with one companion only; but in the troubled condition of the country at this time, more particularly on both sides of the Loire, I scarcely saw how I could ensure a lady's safety on the road northwards unless I had with me at least five swords.
To get these together at a few hours' notice promised to be no easy task; although the presence of the Court of Navarre had filled St.Jean with a crowd of adventurers.

Yet the king's command was urgent, and at some sacrifice, even at some risk, must be obeyed.