I assumed an easy air and sauntered along, till I was within a few yards of him.
Hearing my step then, he looked round with a start and asked peremptorily, "What's your desire, sir ?" By an avowal of himself, even by quoting the King's order, he could banish me.

But if his cue were concealment and ignorance of the order, why, I might indulge my curiosity.
"Like your own, sir," I replied courteously, "a breath of fresh air and a sight of the sea." He frowned a little, but I gave him no time to speak.
"That fellow though," I pursued, "gave me to understand that none might pass; yet the King is not here, is he ?" "Then how did you pass, sir ?" asked M.de Perrencourt, ignoring my last question.
"Why, with a lie, sir," I answered.

"I said I had a message for you from the Duke of Monmouth, and the fool believed me.

But we gentlemen in attendance must stand by one another.

You'll not betray me?
Your word on it ?" A slow smile broke across his face.
"No, I'll not betray you," said he.