Behind him I caught the gleam of steel from the troopers at his heels.
"Which of you is Monsieur Rene de Lesperon ?" he inquired politely, his utterance flavoured by a strong Gascon accent.
I stood forward.

"I am known by that name, Monsieur le Capitaine," said I.
He looked at me wistfully, apologetically almost, then "In the King's name, Monsieur de Lesperon, I call upon you to yield!" said he.
"I have been expecting you.

My sword is yonder, monsieur," I replied suavely.

"If you will allow me to dress, I shall be ready to accompany you in a few minutes." He bowed, and it at once became clear that his business at Lavedan was--as I had suggested to the Vicomtesse might be possible--with me alone.
"I am grateful for the readiness of your submission," said this very polite gentleman.

He was a comely lad, with blue eyes and a good-humoured mouth, to which a pair of bristling moustaches sought vainly to impart an expression of ferocity.
"Before you proceed to dress, monsieur, I have another duty to discharge." "Discharge your duty, monsieur," I answered.