human
Would that Raoul were with us! he said.
gpt
How we three laughed! But I fear me we shall never see him more.
human
He disappeared; that I know, said I.
gpt
Tell me how it befell.
human
Why, three years ago he rode to Calais, with the intent to sail to the Low Countries, and use his sword against the Spaniards. We have never heard of him since. Whether he was wrecked, or fell in Flanders, we know not. He vanished utterly away.
gpt
And what of his estate?
human
His uncle holds it, the Count de Sarney. You have heard Raoul speak of him. He was a Leaguer, and there was a coldness between them. Indeed, though their châteaux lie but five miles apart, they had no dealings one with the other for many years. But the breach was healed when Henry became king, and after that Raoul had disappeared none was so busy as the Count in seeking for him. He sent emissaries at his own charges to Flanders to inquire diligently in all likely quarters, and ’twas a full year before he entered upon his heritage. He lives at Torcy, much by himself, and we see little of him.
gpt
Raoul lugs an oar in a galley at Cadiz,
human
A galley-slave! Impossible! Incredible!
gpt
Both credible and possible,
human
Mon Dieu! cried Jean, when I had made an end.
gpt
We must not wait while your Queen dallies. A ransom! I know a score of his friends who will give bonds for goodly sums——
human
Ay, truly, I said, interrupting him,
gpt
Why yes, he said,
human
Think you that he would refuse his mite in so good a cause?
gpt
My friend, I ween we had best say nought to the Count de Sarney.
human
Nevertheless, I go to him to-morrow, I replied.
gpt
Miser he may be, and ’tis clean against his interest, to be sure, to bring back the lawful owner of Torcy, and thereby dispossess himself. Yet if his duty be put to him, as I shall put it, I doubt not he will comply.
human
I will go with you,
gpt
Nay, I am minded to go alone, or rather with none but my mariner. ’Twill be better so. Be assured I will acquaint you with the issue. And I beg you, Jean, I said earnestly,
human
I will be mute as a fish, said he,