As Philip was aware, the majority of the inhabitants there were Huguenots, and the governor was a nobleman of Bearn; and it was doubtless for this reason that the Queen of Navarre had halted there, as Nerac was a strong town, and not to be taken without a regular siege.
They had no difficulty in ascertaining where the queen was lodged.
Early as it was, several Huguenot gentlemen, armed to the teeth, were gathered round the door.

Philip, leaving his companions behind him, went up to the group and, addressing one of them, said: "I am the bearer of a message for the queen.

It is important.

May I pray you, sir, to cause this ring to be conveyed to her.

It is a token that she will recognize." The gentleman glanced at the ring.
"She may well do that," he said, "seeing that it bears her own cognizance.