CHAPTER 2: An Important Decision.
One day in June, 1567, Gaspard Vaillant and his wife went up to Fletcher's farm.
"I have come up to have a serious talk with you, John, about Philip.

You see, in a few months he will be sixteen.

He is already taller than I am.

Rene and Gustave both tell me that they have taught him all they know with sword and dagger; and both have been stout men-at-arms in their time, and assure me that the lad could hold his own against any young French noble of his own age, and against not a few men.

It is time that we came to some conclusion about his future." [Illustration: Gaspard Vaillant makes a proposal.] "I have thought of it much, Gaspard.