[Saint Bartholomew’s Eve by G. A. Henty]@TWC D-Link bookSaint Bartholomew’s Eve CHAPTER 9: An Important Mission 19/35
It is all important that she should know this, so that she may judge whither to direct her course, when once safely across the river Dronne and out of Guyenne. "I dare not send a written despatch for, were it to fall into the hands of the Catholics, they would at once strengthen the garrisons of the town on the Charente; and would keep so keen a watch, in that direction, that it would be impossible for the queen to pass. I will give you a ring, a gift from the queen herself, in token that you are my messenger, and that she can place every confidence in you. "I will leave to you the choice of how you will proceed.
You can take some of your men-at-arms with you, and try to make your way through with a sudden dash; but as the bridges and fords will be strongly watched, I think that it will be much wiser for you to go in disguise, either with or without a companion.
Certainty is of more importance than speed.
I found a communication here, sent by the queen before she started to the authorities of the town, saying that she should try to make her way to them; and she knew that the prince and myself would also come here, if we found our personal safety menaced in Burgundy.
She foresaw that her difficulties would be great; and requested that, if we arrived here, we would send her word as to our movements, in order that she might accommodate hers to them. "I have chosen you for several reasons, one being, as I have told you, that I see you are quick at forming a judgment, and cool in danger.
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