Part 62 (1/2)

They shook hands over it. Then Gerard said nothing, for his heart was too full: but he ran twice round his companion as he walked, then danced backwards in front of him, and finally took his hand, and so on they went hand-in-hand like sweethearts, till a company of mounted soldiers, about fifty in number, rose to sight on the brow of a hill.

”See the banner of Burgundy,” said Denys, joyfully. ”I shall look out for a comrade among these.”

”How gorgeous is the standard in the sun,” said Gerard; ”and how brave are the leaders with velvet and feathers, and steel breastplates like gla.s.sy mirrors!”

When they came near enough to distinguish faces, Denys uttered an exclamation: ”Why 'tis the b.a.s.t.a.r.d of Burgundy, as I live. Nay, then; there is fighting a foot since he is out; a gallant leader, Gerard, rates his life no higher than a private soldier's, and a soldier's no higher than a tomt.i.t's; and that is the captain for me.”

”And see Denys, the very mules with their great bra.s.s frontlets and trappings seem proud to carry them; no wonder men itch to be soldiers;”

and in the midst of this innocent admiration the troop came up with them.

”Halt,” cried a stentorian voice. The troop halted. The b.a.s.t.a.r.d of Burgundy bent his brow gloomily on Denys: ”How now, arbalestrier, how comes it thy face is turned southward, when every good hand and heart is hurrying northward?”

Denys replied respectfully that he was going on leave, after some years of service, to see his kindred at Remiremont.

”Good. But this not the time for't, the duchy is disturbed. Ho! bring that dead soldier's mule to the front; and thou mount her and forward with us to Flanders.”

”So please your highness,” said Denys, firmly, ”that may not be. My home is close at hand. I have not seen it these three years and, above all, I have this poor youth in charge; whom I may not, cannot leave, till I see him s.h.i.+pped for Rome.”

”Dost bandy words with me?” said the chief, with amazement turning fast to wrath. ”Art weary o' thy life? Let go the youth's hand, and into the saddle without more idle words.”

Denys made no reply: but he held Gerard's hand the tighter, and looked defiance.

At this the b.a.s.t.a.r.d roared, ”Jarnac, dismount six of thy archers, and shoot me this whitelivered cur dead where he stands--for an example.”

The young Count de Jarnac, second in command, gave the order, and the men dismounted to execute it.

”Strip him naked,” said the b.a.s.t.a.r.d, in the cold tone of military business, ”and put his arms and accoutrements on the spare mule. We'll may be find some clown worthier to wear them.”

Denys groaned aloud, ”Am I to be shamed as well as slain?”

”Oh, nay! nay! nay!” cried Gerard, awaking from the stupor into which this thunderbolt of tyranny had thrown him. ”He shall go with you on the instant. I'd liever part with him for ever than see a hair of his dear head harmed. Oh sir, oh, my lord, give a poor boy but a minute to bid his only friend farewell! he will go with you. I swear he shall go with you.”

The stern leader nodded a cold contemptuous a.s.sent. ”Thou, Jarnac, stay with them, and bring him on alive or dead.--Forward!” And he resumed his march, followed by all the band but the young count and six archers, one of whom held the spare mule.

Denys and Gerard gazed at one another haggardly. Oh! what a look!

And after this mute interchange of anguish, they spoke hurriedly, for the moments were flying by.

”Thou goest to Holland: thou knowest where she bides. Tell her all. She will be kind to thee for my sake.”

”Oh, sorry tale that I shall carry her! For G.o.d's sake go back to the 'Tete d'Or.' I am mad.”

”Hus.h.!.+ Let me think: have I nought to say to thee, Denys? my head! my head!”

”Ah! I have it. Make for the Rhine, Gerard! Strasbourg. 'Tis but a step.

And down the current to Rotterdam. Margaret is there: I go thither. I'll tell her thou art coming. We shall all be together.”

”My lads, haste ye, or you will get us into trouble,” said the count firmly, but not harshly now.