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"You say he slew Count Raoul in fair fight, Monsieur D'Estanges?" "In as fair a fight as ever I saw, Monsieur le Comte." "Who are you, sir?" the governor asked Philip. "I am a stranger, travelling through Agen on private business," Philip said quietly. "But what is your name and family, sir?" "I am English," Philip replied. "My name is Philip Fletcher."
"That is all very well for you, Monsieur D'Estanges, as a party in a private quarrel; but as governor of Agen, it is my duty to satisfy myself as to who this stranger, who has killed an officer of the king, may be." He turned his horse, and for the first time obtained a view of Philip; who, seeing the impossibility of escape, had been standing quietly by. "Why, it is but a youth!" he exclaimed.
Monsieur D'Estanges stood high at court, was a gentleman of unblemished reputation, and often appealed to on questions of honour; and this declaration that he considered the combat to be an unequal one was the more irritating, since he was himself conscious of the fact. However, he could not recoil now but, with an angry expression of face, drew his sword and stood on guard.
It is Charles D'Estanges. I am a cousin of the Duc de Guise, and am naturally of the court party; but I can esteem a brave enemy, and regret to see one engaged in an encounter in which he must needs be overmatched." "I am a fair swordsman, sir," Philip said; "though my arm may lack somewhat of the strength it will have, a few years later.
Here, without a word being spoken, Raoul and Philip threw aside their cloaks and doublets. "Gentlemen," Monsieur D'Estanges said, "surely this quarrel might be arranged without fighting. Monsieur de Fontaine addressed my principal, doubtless under a misapprehension, with some roughness, which was not unnaturally resented.
Philip was no less ready. The easy attitude he assumed, with his weight for the most part on his left leg, differed so widely from the forward attitude then in fashion among French duellists, that Monsieur D'Estanges, convinced that he knew nothing of swordplay, shrugged his shoulders pityingly.
"And is it you, Monsieur D'Estanges, who has done his majesty this bad service?" For by this time Philip had resumed his doublet and cloak. "No. I only stood as second to his opponent, who has behaved fairly and honourably in the matter, as I am sure Count Louis will testify." "Your word is quite sufficient, Monsieur D'Estanges.
"There is something strange about the affair, and there may be some plot. Do you come with me, Louis. "Monsieur D'Estanges, I have a little matter of business on hand. Will you come with me?" Glancing half round, as he turned away from the wine shop, Philip saw Raoul and two of his companions rising. He walked off in a leisurely manner and, a few paces farther, turned down a side street.
"Let us get beyond the gates," Raoul said abruptly, turning on his heel, and retracing his steps up the lane to the main street. "I thank you, sir, for offering to stand by one of whose very name you are ignorant," Philip said as, accompanied by Monsieur D'Estanges, he followed the others. "It is, however, right that you should know it. It is Philip Fletcher.
"I would do much to oblige you, Monsieur D'Estanges; but he is an Englishman and a Protestant, by his own confession, and therefore can only be here to aid the men who have risen in rebellion, and to conspire with the king's enemies.
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