e to
accompany your force tomorrow, and join the count before Niort."

"Here is a large map of the country you will have to traverse. You
had best take it into the next room, and study it carefully;
especially the course and direction of the rivers, and the points
of crossing. It would be shorter, perhaps, if you could have gone
by boat south to Arcachon and thence made your way to Nerac; but
there are wide dunes to be crossed, and pine forests to be
traversed, where a stranger might well die of hunger and thirst.
The people, too, are wild and savage, and look upon strangers with
great suspicion; and would probably have no compunction in cutting
your throat. Moreover, the Catholics have a flotilla at the mouth
of the Gironde, and there would be difficulty and danger in
passing.

"You will, of course, make all speed that you can. I shall
presently see some of the council of the town and, if they tell me
that a boat can take you down the coast as far as the Seudre, some
ten miles north of the mouth of the Gironde, you will avoid the
difficulty of crossing the Boutonne at Saint Jean d'Angely, and the
Charente at Saintes or Cognac. It would save you a quarter of your
journey. I expect them shortly, so that by the time you have
studied the map, I shall be able to tell you more."

An hour later, Philip was again summoned. To his surprise, he found
Maitre Bertram with the prince.

"Our good friend here tells me that he is already acquainted with
you, Monsieur Fletcher. He will house you for tonight, and at
daybreak put you on board a small coasting vessel, which will carry
you down to the mouth of the Seudre. He will also procure for you
whatever disguises you may require, for yourself and your
attendant.

"He has relations with traders in many of the towns. Some of these
are openly of our faith, others are time servers, or are not yet
sufficiently convinced to dare persecution and death for its sake.
He will give you the names of some of these; and you may, at a
push, be able to find shelter with them, obtain a guide, or receive
other assistance.

"Here is the ring. Hide it carefully on the way for, were you
searched, a ring of this value would be considered a proof that you
were not what you seemed.

"You quite understand my message. I pray the queen to trust to no
promises but, using all care to avoid those who would stop her, to
come north as speedily as possible, before the toils close round
her; and you will