"
"We hear also, my lord," said the Italian, "that King Edward of England
is marshalling an army, presumably for the invasion of France and,
because of the close union that is soon to be between King Louis and
Burgundy, I have thought proper to lay the news before Your Grace."
"Edward wants more of King Louis' gold," answered Charles. "We'll let
him get it. We care not how much he has from this crafty miser of the
Seine. Louis will buy the English ministers, and the army will suddenly
vanish. When King Edward grows scarce of gold, he musters an army, or
pretends to do so, and Louis fills the English coffers. The French king
would buy an apostle, or the devil, and would sell his soul to either to
serve a purpose. Have you more in your budget, Sir Count?"
"I have delivered all, I believe, my lord," answered Campo-Basso.
"It might have been worse," said the duke, rising to quit his throne.
"One moment, my lord! There is another matter to which I wish to call
Your Grace's attention before you rise," said the count. "I have for
your signature the warrants for the execution of the Swiss spies, who,
Your Highness may remember, were entrapped and arrested by the
watchfulness of Your Grace's faithful servant, the noble Count Calli."
"Give me the warrant," said the duke, "and let the execution take place
at once."
Hymbercourt had been standing in the back part of the room, paying
little attention to the proceedings, but the mention of Calli's name in
connection with the Swiss spies quickly roused him, and he hurriedly
elbowed his way to the ducal throne.
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