Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 26, 2025
It toned down the innate savagery of man, softened the stern, callous impulses of the soldier, and all the currents of my being trickled through quieter, sweeter channels of life and love. Even the shame of it made not the thought less sweet. There was but trifling period to spare for such gentler musings, for Serigny, by a gesture, called attention to his well packed luggage. "See, I am ready.
It appeared that my dress at best was unlike that worn at the court; my fringed leather leggings, hunting knife and long sword differed much from the wigs and frizzes worn by the officers of the guard. However, I made bold to seem at ease and accustomed to court as I addressed the officer of the watch. "Can you direct me, sir, to M. de Serigny? I have business with him."
Then I told Serigny of the occurrence in the garden, or enough to let him understand why I was summoned to the morning audience. "Thou art lucky, lad; here half a day and already have an appointment with the King." "Yes," he roused half aloud, "Louis likes such things. He grows suspicious with age, and doubts even his ministers. It is quite possible he may question you of affairs in the colonies.
It had, from all appearance, come over from the colonies, and bore traces of having long been carried about a man's person. This settled one matter. The go-betweens had met, and the traitor on le Dauphin was most likely in possession of the instructions from Spain. This made his capture the more important. De Greville well merited all Serigny had said of his shrewdness, and more.
M. de Serigny tells me he has instructed you himself, but details he would leave to me. What's your name?" "Placide," I replied as simply as a lad of ten. "Well, I'm Jerome. We are to stand together now, and men engaged in business like ours have no time for extra manners." His bon camaraderie was contagious, and I gladly caught it. "Agreed, Jerome; so be it. Go on."
In a strange city to hunt up and dispossess a man like this of papers which would hang him. A delightful undertaking forsooth! "But we plan in advance, my dear Captain. We must wait the pleasure of the King concerning you. We will renew this subject to-morrow." That night I lodged with Serigny. Even at this time I remember how nervous I was when I dressed for my interview with the King.
He spends much of his time at Bertrand's wine and card rooms, though he has the entree at some of the most fashionable houses in the city, even at Madame du Maine's exclusive Villa of Sceaux. But thereby hangs his employment; we do not know how far Madame is involved in this intrigue with Spain and the Bretons." Verily I felt encouraged as Serigny unfolded his charming plans for my entertainment.
My coming had been so sudden I had given no consideration to the nature of my report to Serigny, and found some difficulty in gathering ideas together in such shape they would be understood. I had hardly begun my statement when quick steps sounded along the outer passage followed by an almost imperative knock on the door. Jerome, I thought. So it was.
Whilst ridding my mind of these matters, I could not have said what course I meditated. A boat grating against the vessel's side set me all a tremble, but it was only a letter of instructions. Making some poor excuse to Serigny for the moment, I entered the yawl as it left the ship to go ashore. A well-known voice hailed us ere we made the land.
Without any clearly defined purpose I went on and carefully gave Serigny every detail of information which could be valuable touching the expected trouble in the colonies. Of this my hands should, in any event, be clean. I even handed him the King's new commission directed to Bienville, whereof I was so proud to be the bearer.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking