I will then present you to the gentlemen who accompany me.

They are but a small party, but we have received promises from many others, who will join us on our way.
"I may tell you it is already arranged that I shall set forward this evening.

Monsieur D'Escars has, I hear, some four thousand gentlemen under arms; but these are widely scattered, and I hope to have a sufficient force to overcome them at any point we may make for.

Some friends have secretly collected two or three boats near Tonneins, where there is but a small part of the Catholics assembled.

Once past the Garonne, we shall feel safe for a time." "Would it please you that I should ride on first to Tonneins, your majesty, and ascertain if the garrison there are not alert, and have no suspicion that you are about to cross so close to them?
Being a stranger here I could pass unsuspected; while were any of the gentlemen with you seen near Tonneins, it would create suspicion that you, yourself, were about to cross in the neighbourhood." "I thank you for that offer," the queen said, "and will speak to you about it, later on." As Philip had been furnished with money, he did not trouble the queen's chamberlain, but at once purchased clothes for himself and his three followers, together with breast and back piece for Jacques and Roger.