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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of My Sword's My Fortune, by Herbert Hayens
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: My Sword's My Fortune
+       A Story of Old France
+
+Author: Herbert Hayens
+
+Release Date: November 25, 2008 [EBook #27325]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MY SWORD'S MY FORTUNE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Al Haines
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MY SWORD'S MY FORTUNE
+
+A STORY OF OLD FRANCE
+
+
+BY
+
+HERBERT HAYENS
+
+
+
+
+LONDON AND GLASGOW
+
+COLLINS' CLEAR-TYPE PRESS
+
+1904
+
+
+
+
+Contents.
+
+
+Chapter
+
+      I.  I Go to Paris
+     II.  La Boule d'Or
+    III.  I Enter the Astrologer's House
+     IV.  I Meet the Cardinal
+      V.  The Reception at the Luxembourg
+     VI.  Was I Mistaken?
+    VII.  The Cardinal takes an Evening Walk
+   VIII.  The Plot is Discovered
+     IX.  I Meet with an Exciting Adventure
+      X.  Pillot to the Rescue
+     XI.  A Scheme that Went Amiss
+    XII.  I have a Narrow Escape
+   XIII.  I again Encounter Maubranne
+    XIV.  I Fall into a Trap
+     XV.  Under Watch and Ward
+    XVI.  I become a Prisoner of the Bastille
+   XVII.  Free!
+  XVIII.  The Fight on the Staircase
+    XIX.  I Lose all Trace of Henri
+     XX.  News at Last
+    XXI.  The Death of Henri
+   XXII.  The Mob Rises
+  XXIII.  The Ladies Leave Paris
+   XXIV.  Captain Courcy Outwitted
+    XXV.  I Miss a Grand Opportunity
+   XXVI.  "Vive le Roi!"
+  XXVII.  The King Visits Raoul
+ XXVIII.  "Remember the Porte St. Antoine"
+   XXIX.  Mazarin Triumphant
+
+
+
+Illustrations
+
+
+"The air was filled with the clatter of steel."
+
+"The nobleman caught and fixed him."
+
+"Keep this in remembrance of this day."
+
+
+[Transcriber's notes:
+
+Gaps in the source book's page numbering indicate that four
+illustrations were missing.  Physical damage seems to indicate that the
+frontispiece may also have been missing.  Since there was no list of
+illustrations in the book, it is not known what their captions were.
+Short transcriber's notes indicate the locations of the missing
+illustrations.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+I Go to Paris.
+
+"Let the boy go to Paris," exclaimed our guest, Roland Belloc.  "I
+warrant he'll find a path that will lead him to fortune."
+
+"He is young," said my father doubtfully.
+
+"He will be killed," cried my mother, while I stood upright against the
+wall and looked at Roland gratefully.
+
+It was in 1650, in the days of the Regency, and all France was in an
+uproar.  Our most gracious monarch, Louis XIV., was then a boy of
+twelve, and his Queen-Mother, Anne of Austria, ruled the country.  She
+had a host of enemies, and only one friend, Cardinal Mazarin, a wily
+Italian priest, who was perhaps the actual master of France.
+
+Roland Belloc, who was the Cardinal's man, had been staying for a day
+or two in my father's company.  He was a real soldier of fortune,
+strong as a bull, a fine swordsman, and afraid of no man living.  He
+told us many startling tales of Paris.
+
+According to him, everything in the city, from the throne to the
+gutter, was in a state of unrest: no man knew what an hour would bring
+forth.  One day people feasted and sang and danced in feverish
+merriment: the next the barricades were up, and the denizens of the
+filthy courts and alleys, eager for pillage, swarmed into the light.
+
+"Mazarin is like a wild boar," said he, "with a pack of hounds baying
+round him.  There is the Duke of Orleans, the king's uncle, who snaps
+and runs away; Conde is waiting to get a good bite; while the priest,
+De Retz, is the most mischievous of all."
+
+"It is almost as bad as war," said my father.
+
+"It is war, and nothing else.  But," with a laugh, "the green scarf of
+Mazarin will be uppermost at the finish.  What do you say, Albert?  Are
+you willing to don the Cardinal's colours?"
+
+"I know little of these things, monsieur, but my sympathies are for the
+Queen-Mother."
+
+"Of course they are!" cried he, giving me a resounding slap on the
+back; "so are mine, but Anne of Austria would never hold her own
+without the Cardinal.  Come, De Lalande, let the youngster go.  You
+will not regret it, I promise.  He may not get Vancey back, but there
+are other estates to be won by a strong arm.  Shake yourself, boy, and
+come out into the daylight.  You are moping here like a barn-owl."
+
+"The simile is good, Roland, for he lives in a barn.  If I thought----"
+
+"If you thought!  Why, man, there is no thinking in it; the thing is as
+plain as the Castle yonder from the bridge over the river.  He is a
+strapping lad, and knows how to handle a sword I'll warrant.  Eh,
+Albert?  What will he do here?  Take root and grow into a turnip as
+likely as not.  Pah!  I have no patience with you stay-at-home folks.
+Look at his cousin Henri!"
+
+"Henri is two years older."
+
+"Ay, he has the advantage there, but Albert's as well grown, and
+better.  Henri is a young scamp, too, I admit, but he is making a name
+already.  He is hand in glove with De Retz."
+
+"Albert belongs to the elder branch of the family," said my mother
+stiffly, and the soldier was going to make answer but thought better of
+it.
+
+"It is kind of you to show such interest in the lad," remarked my
+father presently, "and we will consider the matter."
+
+"As you please, old friend.  Follow your own judgment, but should he
+take it into his head to wear the green scarf, let him inquire at the
+Palais Royal for Roland Belloc."
+
+That night, after our guest rode away, I lay awake a long time thinking
+over his words.  The prospect held out by him seemed to be an answer to
+my dreams.  For many years now the fortunes of the elder branch of the
+De Lalande family had sunk lower and lower.  My grandfather had been
+stripped of vast estates because he would not change his opinions to
+suit the times, and my father had been, as most folks thought it,
+equally foolish.
+
+Unhappily, he never by any chance espoused the winning side.  His house
+was a "Camp of Refuge" for broken men of every party, who never sued
+for relief in vain.  The poor and infirm, the blind, the halt, and the
+maimed, for twenty miles around, were his family, and he never wearied
+of giving, till, of all our original possessions, one poor farm and
+homestead alone remained.
+
+The splendid mansion of Vancey, which my grandfather had owned, now
+belonged to Baron Maubranne, and was often filled with a glittering
+throng from Paris.  Occasionally my cousin Henri made one of the party,
+and I could not help reflecting somewhat bitterly on the difference
+between us.
+
+He was two years my senior, though I was as tall as he, and more than
+his equal in strength.  But he was handsomely dressed and in the newest
+fashion, while I went about in a dingy suit that was not far from
+threadbare.  I never envied Henri, mind you, or thought the worse of
+him, because his father had prospered in the world, but it was seeing
+him, that, in the first place, led me to build my castles in the air.
+
+My one idea in those days was to obtain possession of Vancey, where the
+De Lalandes had lived and died for centuries.  How it was to be done I
+had not the least notion, and I never spoke of it to others; but
+Roland's talk set me thinking.
+
+His advice seemed good.  I must go to Paris and take service with some
+prominent man.  I would serve him faithfully; he would advance my
+interests, and in the course of time I might save sufficient money to
+purchase the family estate, whither I would remove my mother and father
+that they might pass the end of their days in peace.  That was the
+dream which the soldier's words had started afresh.
+
+My father would have let me go willingly enough, but my dear mother,
+who had never seen the capital, feared for my welfare.
+
+"This Paris," said she, "is a wicked place, full of snares and pitfalls
+for young and old.  Rest content where you are, my son, and be not
+eager to rush into temptation.  I think not so much of bodily peril as
+of danger to the soul."
+
+"Albert is a gentleman," said my father, "and the son of a gentleman:
+he will do nothing dishonourable."
+
+Perhaps after all I should never have left home, but for an incident
+which happened a few days after Belloc's departure.  One evening I had
+wandered across the meadows skirting the river, and, busy with my
+thoughts, had unconsciously strayed into the private grounds at Vancey.
+The voices of men in earnest conversation broke my dream, and I found
+myself at the back of a pleasant arbour.
+
+"It is far too risky," said one.  "Let De Retz find his tools
+elsewhere.  If the plot fails----"
+
+"Pshaw!" exclaimed another, "it can't fail.  I tell you De Retz has
+spread his net so carefully that we are certain to land the big fish."
+
+Unwilling to pry into other people's secrets, I was turning back when
+the speakers, hearing the noise, rushed from the arbour, with their
+swords half drawn.  One was the owner of the chateau: the other my
+cousin Henri.
+
+"What beggar's brat is this?" cried Maubranne.  "Off to your kennel,
+you rascal, and stay there till I send my servants to whip you."
+
+"Why, 'tis my cousin," said Henri, in surprise.
+
+"How came you here, Albert?  These are private grounds."
+
+"Yes," I answered bitterly, "and once they belonged to your grandfather
+and mine."
+
+"Faith," laughed he carelessly, "he should have taken better care of
+them.  How long have you been here?"
+
+"A few minutes.  Do not be afraid; I learned none of your business."
+
+"If I thought you had," growled Maubranne suspiciously, "you should
+never leave the place.  _Peste!_ it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep you
+as it is; you would be back under your own roof," and he ended with a
+brutal laugh.
+
+"Perhaps I shall be some day; less likely things than that have
+happened."
+
+At this he laughed again, and bidding me take myself off his land,
+turned back to the arbour.
+
+The next morning, as I stood on the rustic bridge which spans the
+stream near Vancey, Henri came to join me.  This was an unexpected
+honour, but he soon made the reason of it plain.
+
+"Perhaps it is no business of mine," said he, "but I have come with a
+warning.  You have made an enemy of Maubranne."
+
+"Then we are quits," I laughed, "as I have no love for him."
+
+"He thinks you played the spy upon him!"
+
+"Has he sent you to find out?" I asked hotly.
+
+"No, no; but the truth is, the situation is rather awkward.  You may
+have heard something which Maubranne would not wish repeated."
+
+"I heard you say that De Retz was going to land a big fish and that he
+wanted the baron's assistance.  What was meant I do not know, except
+that there is some conspiracy afoot."
+
+"I believe you, cousin," said Henri, "but Maubranne won't, and if
+anything goes wrong he will not spare you."
+
+"Thanks," said I lightly; "but I can take care of myself.  I have not
+lived at Court, but my father has taught me the use of the sword."
+
+"Why," cried Henri laughing, "you are a regular fire-eater, but make no
+mistake, you will stand no chance with Maubranne.  There are twenty
+stout fellows yonder ready to do whatever they are told, and to ask no
+questions.  I bear you no particular love, cousin, but I wish you no
+ill, and will give you a piece of advice.  Attach yourself to some
+nobleman who will look after you; Maubranne will think twice before
+harming a follower of Conde or Orleans."
+
+"Or De Retz."
+
+"Ah," said he, "to be quite frank, I don't wish you to join De Retz.
+Relatives are best apart.  However, I have given you my advice; it is
+for you to act on it or not, as you think best."
+
+That night in a long talk with my father I related the whole incident,
+and repeated Henri's words.
+
+"Your cousin is right," he said thoughtfully.  "Now that you have
+stirred up Maubranne's suspicions this is no place for you.  The best
+thing is to accept Belloc's offer, though 'twill be a dreary life for
+you, alone in Paris."
+
+"Belloc will stand by me, and Raoul Beauchamp is somewhere in the
+capital.  He told me months ago that I can always get news of him at La
+Boule d'Or in the Rue de Roi."
+
+"He is a fine fellow," said my father, "and his friendship is worth
+cultivating.  But you must walk warily, Albert, and keep your eyes
+open.  Unfortunately my purse is nearly empty, but I daresay that from
+time to time I shall be able to send you a little money."
+
+My mother wept bitterly when she heard of the decision, but after a
+while she became more reconciled, and helped to pack my few things.
+
+On the morning of my departure we sat down in very low spirits.
+Pierre, our faithful old servant, had prepared a simple meal, but no
+one seemed inclined to eat.  At last we made an end of the pretence,
+and went to the door.  "God keep you, my son," exclaimed my mother,
+embracing me; "I shall pray for you always."
+
+"Remember you are a De Lalande," said my father proudly, "and do
+nothing that will disgrace your name."
+
+I kissed them both, and, walking to the gate, passed through.  Outside
+stood Pierre, who waited to wish me farewell.
+
+"Adieu, Pierre," I cried, trying to speak gaily.  "Look after the old
+place till my return."
+
+The honest fellow's tears fell on my hand as he raised it to his lips
+and said, "Adieu, Monsieur Albert.  May the good God bring you back
+safe and sound.  Three generations, grandsire, sire, and son, I have
+seen, and evil days have come upon them all."
+
+"Cheer up, my trusty Pierre!  Keep a good heart.  What a De Lalande has
+done I can do, and by God's help I will yet restore the fortunes of our
+house.  Good-bye!" and I turned my face resolutely towards Paris.
+
+Once only I looked back, and that was to steal a last glance at the old
+home.  On my left lay the pleasant meadows with the silvery stream; on
+my right the woods and spires of Vancey, and in the distance the
+white-roofed farm-house, the only remnant of his property which my
+father could now call his own.
+
+"He shall have it all again," I said, half aloud, and then blushed at
+my folly.  What could I, who was hardly more than a mere boy, do?
+Nothing, it seemed, and yet I did not altogether despair.
+
+Once more I turned, and, following the high road, plodded along
+steadily.  It was the market-day at Reves, and the little town was
+filled with people, peasants and farmers mostly, though here and there
+a gaily-dressed gallant swaggered by, while the seat outside the
+principal inn was occupied by half-a-dozen soldiers.
+
+In the market-place I was stopped by more than one acquaintance, with
+whom I laughed and jested for a few moments.  A mile or so from the
+town I sat down by the wayside and began to eat the food which Pierre
+had put in my valise.
+
+It is not necessary to recount the various stages of my journey.
+Sometimes with company not of the choicest, but more often alone, I
+trudged along, sleeping at night in shed or outhouse, so as to hoard my
+scanty stock of money.  My shabby clothes, and perhaps the sight of my
+sword, saved me from being robbed, and, indeed, thieves would have
+gained no rich booty.  A sharp sword and a lean purse are not ill
+friends to travel with on occasion.
+
+It was afternoon when I reached Paris, and inquired my way to the
+Palais Royal.  The man, a well-to-do shopkeeper, looked curiously at my
+shabby cloak, but directed me civilly enough.
+
+"Monsieur is perhaps a friend of the Cardinal?" said he, as I thanked
+him.
+
+"It may be," I answered; "though it is hard to tell as yet."
+
+"Ah!" he exclaimed.  "Monsieur, though young, is prudent, and knows how
+to keep his own counsel.  Monsieur is from the country?"
+
+"Well," said I, laughing, "that question hardly needs answering."
+
+The fellow evidently intended to speak again, but thought better of it,
+and contented himself with staring at me very hard.  In the next street
+a man stopped me, and started a long rigmarole, but I pushed him aside
+and went on.
+
+At the gate of the Palais Royal my courage oozed out at my finger ends,
+and I walked about for half an hour before mustering sufficient
+resolution to address one of the sentries posted at the gate.
+
+"M. Belloc?" he said.  "What do you want of him?"
+
+"I will tell him when I see him."
+
+"_Merci!_" he exclaimed, "if you don't keep a civil tongue in your head
+I will clap you in the guard-room."
+
+Just then an officer coming up asked my business, and I repeated my
+wish to see M. Belloc.
+
+"Do you know him?" he inquired.
+
+"I am here by his own invitation."
+
+"Well, in that case," looking me up and down as if I had been a strange
+animal, "you are very unfortunate.  M. Belloc left town only an hour
+ago."
+
+"But he will return?"
+
+"That is quite likely."
+
+"Can you tell me when?"
+
+"If you can wait long enough for an answer I will ask the Cardinal," he
+replied with a laugh.
+
+"It is a pity the Cardinal doesn't keep a school for manners," I
+exclaimed, and, turning on my heel, walked away.
+
+Here was a pretty beginning to my venture!  What should I do now?  I
+had not once given a thought to Belloc's being away, and without him I
+was completely lost.  After wandering about aimlessly for some time I
+remembered Raoul Beauchamp, and decided to seek news of him at La Boule
+d'Or.  Without knowing it, I had strayed into the very street where the
+curious shopkeeper lived, and there he stood at his door.
+
+"Monsieur has soon returned," said he.
+
+"To beg a fresh favour.  Will you direct me to the Rue de Roi?"
+
+"The Rue de Roi?" he exclaimed in a tone of surprise.
+
+"Yes, I want to find La Boule d'Or."
+
+At that he raised his eyebrows and, lifting his hands, exclaimed,
+"Monsieur, then, has not received any encouragement from the Cardinal?"
+
+"A fig for the Cardinal," I cried irritably.  "I am in need of some
+supper, and a bed.  You don't suppose I want to walk about the streets
+all night."
+
+"But it seems so strange!  First it is the Palais Royal, and then La
+Boule d'Or.  However, it is none of my business.  Monsieur knows his
+own mind.  Jacques," and he called to a boy standing just inside the
+shop, "show monsieur to the Rue de Roi."
+
+Jacques was a boy of twelve, lean, hungry-looking, and hard-featured,
+but as sharp as a weasel.  He piloted me through the crowds, turned
+down alleys, shot through narrow courts, turning now to right now to
+left, till my head began to swim.
+
+"Has monsieur heard the news?" he asked.  "They think at the shop that
+I don't know, but I keep my ears open.  There will be sport soon.  They
+are going to put the Cardinal in an iron cage, and Anne of Austria in a
+convent.  Then the people will rise and get their own.  Oh, oh! it will
+be fine sport.  No more starving for Jacques then.  I shall get a
+pike--Antoine is making them by the score--and push my way into the
+king's palace.  Antoine says we shall have white bread to eat; white
+bread, monsieur, but I don't think that can be true."
+
+All the way he chattered thus, repeating scraps of information he had
+picked up, and inventing a great deal besides.  Much of it I understood
+no more than if he had spoken in a foreign tongue, but I gathered that
+stirring work was expected by the denizens of the low quarters of the
+city.
+
+"Faith," I thought to myself, "my poor mother would have little sleep
+to-night if she could see me now, wandering through these dens of vice
+and crime.  Old Belloc's path to fortune does not seem easy to find."
+
+Jacques suddenly brought me back to reality by exclaiming in his shrill
+voice, "Here we are, monsieur!  This is the Rue de Roi."
+
+The information rather staggered me, but I thanked him, and drawing out
+my slender purse, gave him a piece of silver.  He fastened on it with
+wolfish eagerness and the next instant had disappeared, leaving me to
+find La Boule d'Or as best I could.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+La Boule d'Or.
+
+"Faith," I muttered, "Raoul has a strange taste.  One would think his
+golden ball would soon become dingy in this neighbourhood!"
+
+The Rue de Roi was really a narrow lane, with two rows of crazy
+buildings looking as if they had been planned by a lunatic architect.
+The street itself was only a few feet wide, and the upper storeys of
+the opposite houses almost touched.  But in spite of its air of general
+ruin, the Rue de Roi was evidently a popular resort.  Crowds of people
+went to and fro; sturdy rogues they appeared for the most part, and
+each man openly carried his favourite weapon--pike, or sword, or
+halberd.
+
+Some belonged to the bourgeois or shopkeeping class.  These, wrapped in
+long black cloaks, moved softly, speaking in low tones to groups of
+coopers, charcoal-sellers, and men of such-like occupations.
+
+I was more astonished at beholding bands of young nobles who swaggered
+by in handsome dresses, laughing familiarly with both bourgeois, and
+_canaille_--as the lowest class was called; and I wondered vaguely if
+the scene had anything to do with what the boy had told me.
+
+But I was tired and hungry, and the sights and sounds of the city had
+muddled my brain so that I cared chiefly to discover Raoul's inn.  At
+any one of the numerous hostelries my lean purse would secure me a
+supper and a bed, and I began to think it advisable to defer any
+further search till the morning.
+
+I stood in the middle of the road hesitating, as one will do at such
+times, when a clear young voice cried, "Hush, do not disturb him; he is
+waiting to hear the tinkle of the cow-bells!" a jest due no doubt to my
+ill-cut country clothes.
+
+At the ringing laugh which greeted these saucy words I turned, and saw
+several young gallants stretched across the narrow street, completely
+blocking my path.  Their leader was a fair-haired lad with blue eyes,
+and a good-humoured face that quite charmed me.  He looked younger even
+than myself, though I afterwards learned there was little difference in
+our ages.
+
+"I thought the fashion of keeping private jesters had gone out!" I
+exclaimed.  "You should ask your master to provide you with cap and
+bells, young sir!  Dressed as you are one might mistake you for a
+gentleman."
+
+I did not mean to deal harshly with the youngster, but the last part of
+my speech hurt him, and he blushed like a girl; while his companions,
+drawing their swords, were for cutting me down off-hand.  But though
+not understanding Paris customs I knew something of fencing, so
+throwing my cloak to the ground, I stood on guard.  In another minute
+we should have been hard at it, but for the fair-haired lad, who,
+rushing between us, called on his friends to stand back.
+
+"Put up your swords!" he cried in a tone of command; "the stranger is
+not to blame.  Your words were harsh, monsieur, but the fault was my
+own.  I am sorry if you were annoyed."
+
+"Oh," said I, laughing, "there is no great harm done.  My jest was a
+trifle ill-humoured, but an empty stomach plays havoc with good
+manners, and I am looking for my supper."
+
+"Then you must let me be your host, and my silly freak will gain me a
+friend instead of an enemy."
+
+He was a pretty boy, and his speech won on me, but I was tired out and
+anxious to sleep, so I replied, "A thousand thanks, but I am seeking La
+Boule d'Or.  Perhaps you can direct me."
+
+I must tell you the street was so badly lighted that we could not see
+each other clearly, but at this he stared into my face as if trying to
+recall my features and said, "Why, surely you must be----; but I have
+been in error once to-night, and no doubt you have reasons for this
+disguise.  Still, is it safe to go to the inn?  The old fox has his
+spies out."
+
+"The old fox could come himself if he would but bring a decent supper
+with him!" I replied, not understanding in the least what the lad meant.
+
+"_Ma foi!_" cried he, "I have heard of your bravery, but this is sheer
+recklessness.  And to pretend you have forgotten the inn!  I suppose
+you don't know me?"
+
+"Not from Adam," I replied testily.  "I have only one acquaintance in
+Paris, and as for the inn----" but the youngster laughed so heartily
+that I could not finish the sentence.
+
+"_Parbleu!_" he cried, handing me my cloak, "this is a richer farce
+than mine!  'Tis you who should wear the cap and bells!  But come, I
+will be your guide to the hostelry you have forgotten."
+
+"Only to the door then, unless you would wish to drive me mad," at
+which, laughing again and bidding his companions wait, he led the way
+down the street, turning near the bottom into a _cul-de-sac_.
+
+"There is the inn which you have forgotten so strangely," he said, "but
+you are playing a dangerous game.  There may be a spy in the house."
+
+"There may be a dozen for all I care.  But I am keeping you from your
+friends."
+
+"While I am keeping you from your supper.  But just one question; it
+cannot hurt you to answer.  Will the scheme go on?"
+
+"The scheme?  What scheme?" I asked, in amazement
+
+"You are a good actor," said he a trifle crossly.  "Perhaps you will
+tell me if Maubranne has returned to town."
+
+"Maubranne is at Vancey," I answered in still greater astonishment.
+
+"Then you will have to do the work yourself, which will please us
+better.  Maubranne would have spoiled everything at the last minute.
+But there, I will leave you till to-morrow--unless you will be out."
+
+"Out?" I exclaimed.  "Yes, I shall be out all day and every day."
+
+"Till the mine is laid!  Well, I must tear myself away.  Don't be too
+risky, for without you the whole thing will tumble about our ears like
+a house of cards."
+
+I felt very thankful to be relieved of my unknown friend's company, for
+my head was in a whirl, and I wished to be alone for an hour.  Pushing
+open the outer door and entering a narrow, ill-lit passage, I almost
+fell into the arms of a short, stout, red-faced man, who leered at me
+most horribly.
+
+"Are you the landlord?" I asked.
+
+"Yes," he answered, making a profound bow.
+
+"Then show me a room where I can eat and sleep, for I am tired out and
+hungry as a famished hawk."
+
+"I grieve, monsieur; I am truly sorry," he replied, bowing in most
+marvellous fashion for one so stout, "but, unhappily, my poor house is
+full.  In order to make room for my guests I myself have to sleep in
+the stable.  But monsieur will find excellent accommodation higher up
+the street."
+
+"Still, I intend staying here.  The fact is, I have come on purpose to
+see an old friend, a gentleman in the train of the Duke of Orleans."
+
+"Will monsieur give his name?"
+
+"M. Raoul Beauchamp," I replied; "he comes here frequently."
+
+At this the innkeeper became quite civil, and I heard no more of the
+advice to bestow my custom elsewhere.
+
+"Well, mine host," I said slyly, "do you think it possible to find me a
+room now in this crowded house?"
+
+The fellow bowed again, saying I was pleased to be merry, but that
+really in such stirring times one had to be careful, and that the good
+Francois, who had known everybody, was dead--killed, it was hinted, by
+a spy of Mazarin.  But now that I had proved my right, as it were, the
+house was mine, and he, the speaker, the humblest of my servants.
+
+"Then show me a room," I exclaimed, "and bring me something to eat and
+drink."
+
+He lit a couple of candles, and walking farther along the passage threw
+open a door which led into a crowded room.  The inmates stopped
+talking, and looked at me curiously.  One, leaving his seat, came close
+to my side.
+
+The fellow was a stranger to me, and, unless I am a poor judge, a
+cut-throat by profession.  Finding that I made no sign of recognition
+he stood still saying clumsily, "Pardon, monsieur, I mistook you for
+another gentleman."  Then, lowering his voice he added, "Monsieur
+wishes to remain unknown?  It is well.  I am silent as the grave."
+
+Gazing at me far more villainously than the landlord had done, he
+returned to his place, which perhaps was well, as I was rapidly
+approaching the verge of lunacy.  However, I followed the innkeeper up
+a crazy staircase, along various rambling corridors, and finally into a
+sparsely-furnished but comfortable apartment.  Uttering a sigh of
+relief at the sight of a clean bed, I sat down on one of the two chairs
+which the room contained.
+
+"Thank goodness!" I exclaimed, and waited patiently while my host went
+to see after the supper.
+
+He was back in less than ten minutes, and I smiled pleasantly in
+anticipation of the coming feast, when he entered--empty-handed!
+Something had happened, I knew not what, but it had increased the man's
+respect tremendously.
+
+"Forgive me," he murmured penitently, "but I have only just learned the
+truth, and Francois is dead.  Still it is not too late to change, and
+monsieur can have his own room."
+
+"Where is my supper?" I asked.  "Can't you see I am starving?  What
+care I about your Francois?  Bring me some food quickly."
+
+"Certainly, monsieur, certainly," said he, and disappeared, leaving me
+to wonder what the new mystery was.
+
+"What does he mean by 'own room'?  Who am I?  And who, I wonder, is the
+unlucky Francois?  It seems to me that we must all be out of our minds
+together."
+
+Presently the innkeeper, attended by a servant, reappeared, and between
+them they placed on the table a white cloth, a flagon of wine, a loaf
+of wheaten bread, a piece of cheese, and a cold roast fowl.
+
+Sitting back in my chair, I regarded the proceedings with an approving
+smile, saying, "Ah, that is more to the purpose!  Now I begin to
+believe that I am really at La Boule d'Or!"
+
+When the men had gone, I took off my sword, loosened my doublet, and
+sat down to supper, feeling at peace with all the world, and especially
+with Raoul, who had told me of this fair haven, and also how to cast
+anchor therein, which, in such a crowded harbour, was of the utmost
+importance.
+
+The bread was sweet and wholesome, the fowl tender, though of a small
+breed, the cheese precisely to my palate; while I had the appetite of a
+gray wolf in winter.  Thus I made short work of the provisions, and,
+after the empty dishes were removed, tried hard to think out an
+explanation of the evening's events.
+
+The chatter of the young gallant, the odd behaviour of the man
+downstairs, the cringing attitude of the innkeeper, the remark
+concerning my own room, showed that I was mistaken for another person,
+and one of considerable importance; so perhaps it was well for me that
+the worthy Francois was no longer alive.
+
+The evident likeness between the unknown and myself pointed to the fact
+that I was usurping the place of my cousin, and in that case I had
+stepped into a hornet's nest.  However, I was in poor condition for
+reasoning clearly; the supper and fatigue had made me so sleepy that my
+head nodded, my eyes closed, and I had much ado to keep from falling
+asleep in the chair.
+
+At last I rose, and having seen to the fastenings of the door and
+windows and examined the walls--Raoul had told me several strange
+stories of Parisian life--I undressed, placed sword and pistols ready
+at hand, blew out the light, repeated the simple prayer my mother had
+taught me, and stepped into bed.
+
+I must have fallen into a sound sleep towards daylight, as I did not
+waken till a servant knocked loudly at the door; but during the first
+part of the night my rest was feverish and broken by the oddest dreams,
+in which Baron Maubranne, Raoul, and my cousin, played the principal
+parts.
+
+After breakfast, at which the innkeeper was still more humble than on
+the preceding evening, I held counsel with myself as to what was best
+to be done.  Raoul was probably at the Luxembourg, but, remembering my
+reception at the gate of the Palais Royal, I had no mind to hazard
+another rebuff.
+
+"I will write him a note," I concluded.  "He will come at once and give
+me the key to all these strange doings.  Meanwhile if these people
+choose to treat me as a grand personage, so much the better."
+
+Calling for paper, I wrote a note and sent it by one of the servants to
+the Luxembourg.
+
+Unfortunately, I was to meet with a second disappointment.  The man
+returned with the information that M. Beauchamp was absent on a special
+mission for the Duke.  He had gone, it was believed, to Vancey, and
+might not return for a week.  However, the instant he returned the
+letter should be given him.
+
+This was far from pleasant news.  What should I do now?  My first idea
+was to explain matters to the innkeeper, but would he believe the
+story?  Maubranne had already accused me of being a spy, and if any of
+the people at the inn entertained the same notion I felt it would be
+the worse for me.  Besides, a week was not long, and Raoul might return
+even sooner.  "He will either come or send at once," I thought, "and
+not much harm can happen in a few days."
+
+As a matter of fact I was afraid to trust the innkeeper with my story.
+It would have been of little consequence in ordinary times, but just
+then one could hardly tell friend from foe.
+
+Three days slipped by pleasantly enough.  Each evening I wandered into
+the streets of the city, looking with interest at the crowds of people,
+the splendid buildings, the gaily-dressed roysterers, the troops of
+Guards in their rich uniforms, the gorgeous equipages of the ladies,
+and the thousand strange sights that Paris presented to a provincial.
+
+At first I found it rather difficult to make my way back to the inn,
+but by careful observation I gradually acquired a knowledge of the
+district.
+
+Once I summoned courage to accost a soldier of the Guards, and to
+inquire if M. Belloc had returned from his journey.
+
+Looking rather contemptuously at my rusty dress, he answered, "Do you
+mean M. Belloc of the Cardinal's household?"
+
+"The same," I said.
+
+"I am sorry, monsieur, but he is still out of Paris, or at least he is
+supposed to be, which amounts to the same thing.  But if you wish
+particularly to see him, why not seek audience of the Cardinal?"
+
+"Thanks, my friend; I had not thought of that."
+
+The soldier smiled, nodded, and went on his way, humming an air as if
+well-pleased with himself.
+
+"Seek audience of the Cardinal?"  The bare idea froze up my courage; I
+would as soon have entered a den of lions!
+
+"No, no," I thought, "better to wait for Raoul."
+
+During this time no message had come from him, but on the fourth
+evening, as I was setting out for my usual promenade, a servant
+announced a messenger with an urgent letter.
+
+"Show him up," I cried briskly, anxious to learn the nature of my
+comrade's communication, and hoping it would foretell his speedy
+arrival.
+
+The messenger's appearance rather surprised me, but I was too full of
+Raoul to pay much attention to his servant.  Still, I noticed he was a
+small, weazened, mean-looking fellow, quite a dwarf, in fact, with
+sharp, keen eyes and a general air of cunning.
+
+"You have a letter for me?" said I, stretching out my hand.
+
+"Monsieur de Lalande?" he asked questioningly, with just the slightest
+possible tinge of suspicion, and I nodded.
+
+"It is to be hoped that no one saw you come in here, monsieur!"
+
+"Waste no more words, but give me the letter; it may be important."
+
+"It is," he answered, "of the utmost importance, and my master wishes
+it to be read without delay."
+
+"He has kept me waiting longer than was agreeable," I remarked, taking
+the note and breaking the seal.
+
+The letter was neither signed nor addressed, and my face must have
+shown surprise at the contents, as, looking up suddenly, I found the
+messenger watching me with undisguised alarm.  Springing across the
+room I fastened the door, and, picking up a pistol, said quietly,
+"Raise your voice above a whisper and I fire!  Now attend to me.  Do
+you know what is in this note?"
+
+"No!" he answered boldly.
+
+"That is false," I said, still speaking quietly, "and will do you no
+good.  Tell me what is in it."
+
+"Has not monsieur learned to read?" he asked in such a matter-of-fact
+manner that I burst out laughing.
+
+"You are a brave little man, and when you see your master tell him I
+said so."
+
+"What name shall I give him, monsieur?"
+
+"Name, you rascal?  Why, my own, De Lalande!  Now sit there and don't
+stir, while I read this again."
+
+It was a queer communication, and only the fact of my chance meeting
+with the youngster in the Rue de Roi gave me anything like a clue as to
+its meaning.
+
+This was what I read.
+
+"I have sent to the inn, in case my mounted messenger should fail to
+stop you on the road.  The plan will go on, _but without us_.  We move
+only when success is certain.  Make your arrangements accordingly.  Our
+friends will be annoyed, but they can hardly draw back.  I leave you to
+supply a reason for your absence.  A broken leg or a slight attack of
+fever might be serviceable.  Destroy this."
+
+Plainly the note did not come from Raoul, nor was it intended for me.
+
+What did it mean?  That there was a conspiracy on foot I grasped at
+once, as also that my cousin was one of the prominent actors.  But
+what, and against whom? and why was I, or rather Henri, to draw back?
+Who were _our friends_ who would do it without us?  Was my acquaintance
+of the Rue de Roi among them?  On which side was Raoul?
+
+Now Raoul and my cousin had no love for each other, and therefore, I
+argued, though wrongly as it afterwards appeared, they could not be
+working together.
+
+"Come," thought I, "this is clearing the ground.  By going more deeply
+into the matter I may be able to do Raoul a service."
+
+But how to proceed?  That was the question which troubled me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+I Enter the Astrologer's House.
+
+It was plain that whatever I decided to do must be done quickly.  I
+glanced at the messenger.  He sat quite still, but his shrewd, beady
+eyes were fixed on me as if to read my every thought.  Evidently there
+was no help to be expected from that quarter.  And, worse still, the
+man had discovered his mistake.  The instant I opened the door he would
+raise an alarm, and I should probably fare ill in the ensuing scuffle.
+
+The rascal was aware of his advantage, and actually grinned.
+
+"Pardon me, monsieur," he said, "but I am always amused by a comedy,
+and this one is so rich.  It is like a battle in which both sides are
+beaten, and yet both claim the victory.  You have the paper and cannot
+make use of it, while I----"
+
+"You are in more danger than you seem to imagine."
+
+"I think not, monsieur," he answered coolly.
+
+It was certainly a most awkward position, and I tried in vain to hit
+upon some plan of action.  If only the man would speak, and speak the
+truth, he could make everything plain.  I could not bribe him, and if I
+could he would probably deceive me, but was there not a chance of
+alarming him?  I endeavoured to recall what Belloc had said.  Henri was
+hand in glove with De Retz, who was Mazarin's enemy, so that the
+messenger would probably not relish an interview with the Cardinal.
+
+"Come," I said at length, "let us make a bargain.  You shall tell me
+the meaning of this letter, and I will set you free.  What do you say?"
+
+"That you offer me nothing for something, monsieur, which is a good
+bargain for you.  Suppose I do not fall in with such a tempting offer?"
+
+"In that case," I replied, speaking as sternly as possible, "I shall
+hand you over to the Guards of Cardinal Mazarin."
+
+At this the rascal laughed merrily, saying, "The Cardinal may be a
+great personage at the Palais Royal, but his credit is low in the Rue
+de Roi.  No, no, monsieur, you must try again."
+
+It was unpleasant to be played with in this manner, yet there was no
+remedy.  I was still wondering what to do, when suddenly there came a
+sound of footsteps in the corridor, and some one knocked at the door.
+The dwarf grinned with delight, but, pointing a pistol at his head, I
+bade him be silent, and asked who was without.
+
+"Armand d'Arcy."
+
+I recognised the voice at once as that of the youngster who had brought
+me to the inn.  The little man also knew my visitor, and moved uneasily
+in his chair till my pistol came in contact with his neck; then he sat
+still.
+
+"Pardon!  I am engaged."
+
+"But you must spare five minutes.  I have come on purpose to see you,"
+and lowering his voice he added earnestly, "the affair takes place
+to-night."
+
+Laughing softly at my prisoner, I said aloud, "What of it?  You know
+what to do."
+
+"Then nothing is to be changed?" and there was a note of surprise in
+D'Arcy's voice.
+
+"Not as far as I am concerned."
+
+"And you will be there by ten without fail?"
+
+"Certainly, why not?"
+
+"Well, there was a rumour floating about last night that you intended
+to withdraw."
+
+"Rumour is generally a false jade," I said coolly.
+
+"Ten o'clock, then, at the new church in the Rue St. Honore," and with
+that he retired, evidently annoyed at having been kept out of the room.
+
+"That lessens the value of your information," said I, turning to my
+prisoner.
+
+"Considerably," he replied cheerfully.  "I judged monsieur wrongly.  It
+is plain that his wits are as keen as his sword."
+
+Ignoring the doubtful compliment, and taking up the note afresh, I
+observed that I should soon be able to tell who wrote it.
+
+"It is possible," he agreed, "quite possible."
+
+He had regained his composure, and, indeed, seemed rather pleased than
+otherwise at the turn events were taking.  Still he did not quite know
+what to make of me, and now and then a shadow of anxiety flitted across
+his face.
+
+As we sat staring at each other it dawned upon me that I had a new
+problem to solve.  What was to be done with this unwelcome visitor?  I
+had made up my mind to meet D'Arcy, and the sound of a neighbouring
+clock striking nine warned me there was short time left for decision.
+
+"Suppose I let you go?" I asked, half amused at the comical situation.
+
+"That would be agreeable to me."
+
+"Would you promise to say nothing about this affair till the morning?"
+
+"Readily, monsieur."
+
+"And break your promise at the first opportunity?"
+
+"That is probable, monsieur.  You see, I have a very bad memory," and
+he laughed.
+
+"Then you must be kept here.  I am sorry; I have no wish to hurt you,
+but there is no other way."
+
+"As you please," he replied, and submitted quietly to be bound with
+strips torn from the bedclothes.
+
+I fastened the knots securely, yet so as to cause him the least
+suffering, and then proceeded to improvise a gag.  At this point his
+calmness disappeared, and for a short time he looked both surprised and
+angry.
+
+[Transcriber's note: illustration missing from book]
+
+However, he soon recovered his spirits, and said admiringly, "Surely
+monsieur must be a gaoler by profession; he knows all the tricks of the
+trade."
+
+"Ah," said I, laughing, "you did not expect this?"
+
+He shook his head disconsolately.
+
+"But it is necessary."
+
+"It may be for you."
+
+"Let us say for both, since you will be prevented from getting into
+mischief.  But come; I will make you comfortable."
+
+The man's eyes twinkled, and any one outside hearing him laugh would
+have thought we were engaged in a humorous game.
+
+"_Ma foi!_" he exclaimed, "you are politeness itself.  First I am to be
+bound and gagged, and then made comfortable.  But there is just one
+thing which troubles me."
+
+"Speak out; I may be able to set your mind at ease."
+
+"It is just possible that some one, not knowing your good points, may
+cut off your head."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"In that case, with a gag in my mouth, I shall be unable to express my
+sorrow."
+
+"Have no fear," I replied, catching his meaning.  "Whatever happens to
+me, and the venture is certainly risky, I promise you shall be released
+in the morning."
+
+"Thanks, monsieur," he said, looking considerably relieved, "you
+certainly play the game like a gentleman."
+
+I was really sorry to treat the man so scurvily, but, as a single word
+from him would upset my plans, it was necessary to prevent him from
+giving warning.  So, carefully inserting the gag and repeating the
+promise to set him at liberty as soon as possible, I put my pistols in
+order, took my hat, and went out, closing and fastening the door.
+
+The sight of the innkeeper in the narrow passage reminded me that he
+might be wondering what had become of the messenger, so I stopped and
+said, "If the dwarf returns before me, tell him to come again in the
+morning."
+
+"Certainly, monsieur," he replied, holding the door open while I passed
+into the courtyard.
+
+As usual the Rue de Roi was crowded, and I thought some of the people
+looked at me strangely, but this might have been mere fancy.  Once,
+indeed, a man placed himself purposely in my path.  It was the ruffian
+who had spoken to me in the inn, but, not desiring his company, I
+placed a finger on my lips to indicate silence, and walked past rapidly.
+
+Ten o'clock struck as, entering the Rue St. Honore, I passed up the
+street, seeking for the new church.  Several people were still about,
+but I dared not ask for information, though where the church was
+situated I had not the faintest idea.  However, I kept straight on,
+and, a quarter after the hour, approached a huge pile of scaffolding
+and the unfinished walls of a large building.
+
+Here I paused in doubt, which was relieved by a whispered "De Lalande?"
+and the next instant Armand d'Arcy joined me.
+
+"You are late," he exclaimed irritably.  "The others have started, and
+I had almost despaired of your coming."
+
+Taking my arm he crossed the road, hurried down a by-street, and, by
+what seemed a round-about route, led me into a most uninviting part of
+the city.
+
+"Our friends have made good use of their time," I remarked, hoping to
+learn something useful from his conversation.
+
+"They are anxious to surround the cage while the bird is still within.
+These strange rumours concerning the Abbe have made them uneasy."
+
+"But I don't in the least understand you."
+
+"Well, they must be untrue, or you would not be here.  Still, the
+information came to us on good authority."
+
+"Speak out, man, and let us clear up the matter; I am completely in the
+dark."
+
+"Then," said he bluntly, "it is just this.  We heard De Retz intended
+to trick us, and that you, instead of having returned to Paris, were
+still at Vancey.  Of course I knew better, but the Abbe is a slippery
+customer!"
+
+"Why not have told him your suspicions?"
+
+D'Arcy slapped me on the back.
+
+"Behold the innocence of the dove!" he exclaimed.  "Of course he would
+have denied everything and demanded our proofs.  But he will do well to
+leave off this double game.  With the Cardinal in our hands we shall be
+too strong for him."
+
+"I don't understand now."
+
+"It is simple enough.  You know that De Retz drew up the scheme and
+induced us to join him.  But he can't be trusted, and half of our
+fellows believe he is playing us false."
+
+"But why should he?"
+
+"Ah, that is the mystery.  He may have made his peace with the Cardinal
+for all I know.  However, you can't draw back now; so if he has cheated
+us, he has cheated you.  Is the plan changed in any way?"
+
+"I have heard of no alteration."
+
+"We had better make sure of our ground.  It would be folly to miss so
+good an opportunity through want of foresight, though I don't see how
+we can fail," and, dropping his voice to a whisper, he went through all
+his arrangements, only pausing now and again to ask my opinion, which
+he evidently valued highly.
+
+I walked by his side like one in a dream, hardly knowing how to answer.
+Here was I, a simple country youth, plunged into a conspiracy so daring
+that the recital of it almost took away my breath.  The enterprise,
+started by the Abbe de Retz, was no less than the forcible carrying-off
+of Cardinal Mazarin, the most powerful man in France.  I turned hot and
+cold at the thought.
+
+It was known that the Cardinal, as a citizen, paid occasional visits to
+a certain astrologer, in whose house he was at present, and the
+conspirators had arranged their plans accordingly.  False passports
+were obtained, a body of horse were in readiness outside the gates, and
+it only remained to obtain possession of the Cardinal's person.  This
+part, it appeared, De Retz had promised should be undertaken by my
+cousin, who was deep in his confidence, while a band of reckless young
+nobles, with D'Arcy at their head, should form an escort.
+
+"Once we get the old fox trapped, the rest will be easy," said my
+companion.  "I warrant he won't get loose again in a hurry."
+
+"No," said I, puzzling my brain as to why De Retz had at the last
+moment drawn back from the venture.
+
+There was no doubt he had written the note even then inside my doublet.
+Something had occurred to shake his resolution, but what was it?  Had
+he really joined hands with the Cardinal?  The letter to Henri did not
+look like it.  Had he intended all along to sacrifice his allies?  I
+did not think so, because his note seemed to hint at their possible
+success.  Perhaps, and it was my final conclusion, some unexpected
+danger had compelled him to hold his hand.
+
+What ought I to do?  As we walked along, Armand d'Arcy rallied me on my
+silence, but happily the darkness hid my face, or he must have
+suspected something was wrong.
+
+"Are you growing nervous, De Lalande?" he asked banteringly.  "I have
+always heard that nothing could alarm you."
+
+"I am not alarmed."
+
+"The old fox will be surprised by our visit.  I wonder if he has gone
+to the astrologer's to have his fortune told?"
+
+"Very likely.  He believes in the stars and their influence."
+
+"Now, for me, I put more faith in a sharp sword," said D'Arcy,
+laughing, "but everyone to his taste.  Steady, now, some of our fellows
+ought to be posted here."
+
+"Suppose," I asked, suddenly coming to a halt, "that instead of
+trapping Mazarin, we are walking into a trap ourselves?"
+
+"Why, in that case, my friend, you will be the only one caught.  We
+shall remain in hiding till you give the signal."
+
+"Of course," and I heaved a sigh of relief, "I had not thought of that."
+
+D'Arcy's words had shown me a way out of the difficulty.  I intended,
+if possible, to save the Cardinal, yet I could not in honour betray the
+men whose secret I had discovered by such a series of strange accidents.
+
+As it was, my course seemed plain and open.  I had only to see Mazarin,
+acquaint him with his danger, and get him into a place of safety; after
+that I could tell the conspirators their plans were discovered, and
+they would quickly disperse.  Mazarin might not believe my story, but
+something must be left to chance.
+
+"We are getting near now," whispered D'Arcy presently; "you don't wish
+to draw back?"
+
+"Not in the least, why?"
+
+"Because if you do, I will take your place.  If the plan fails it is
+the Bastille for you, and perhaps a rope with a running knot from the
+walls."
+
+"Pshaw! there is no danger for me, and you can take care of yourselves."
+
+At the end of a by-street, we were challenged by a low "_Qui-vive?_"
+when we instantly halted.
+
+"_Notre Dame!_" replied D'Arcy quietly.  "Is that you, Peleton?  Are we
+in time?"
+
+"The old fox has not come out, and a light still burns in the third
+window.  Have you brought De Lalande?"
+
+"Here he is."
+
+"_Ma foi!_ 'tis more than I expected.  But I warn our friend that if he
+means playing us false he will have need to look to himself."
+
+A ready answer sprang to my lips, but I checked it.  D'Arcy had
+evidently only a passing acquaintance with my cousin, but this man
+might know him well; in which case the trick would be discovered.
+
+"Peleton is always suspecting some one," laughed D'Arcy, "and generally
+without cause."
+
+"Well, if anything goes wrong, remember I warned you!" growled the
+other.
+
+"Peace!" cried a third man, stepping from the shadow of a doorway.
+"Small wonder the Cardinal wins, when we spend our time in squabbling
+between ourselves.  De Lalande, you are late, but now you have come,
+let us begin the business without more delay.  Mazarin is still in the
+house, and our men are waiting.  The horses are harnessed, and directly
+you give the signal the carriage will be at the door.  I need not warn
+you to take care of yourself."
+
+"Three knocks, remember," said D'Arcy.  "We will stand here in the
+shadow; the others are in their places, and keeping a sharp look-out."
+
+"One minute!" I whispered to him.  "There is just a trifling matter I
+wish done.  If I don't return--and that seems not unlikely--will you go
+straight back to La Boule d'Or?  You will find a man in my room tied up
+and gagged; set him at liberty."
+
+D'Arcy gave a low whistle of surprise, but without asking for an
+explanation he promised to go.
+
+"If we succeed I can attend to him myself," I added.  "Now stand back."
+
+"Don't forget," said the third man, "that if the Cardinal slips through
+your fingers your own neck will be in danger."
+
+"Good luck," cried D'Arcy softly, as I crossed the road to the
+astrologer's house.
+
+For a moment, as my companions disappeared, my courage failed.  I was
+bound on a really desperate venture, and the first false slip might
+land me in a dungeon of the dreaded Bastille.
+
+Suppose that Mazarin, having learned of the plot, had filled the house
+with his Guards?  Once I raised my hand and dropped it, but the second
+time I knocked at the door, which, after some delay, was opened wide
+enough to admit the passage of a man's body.  The entry was quite dark,
+but I pushed in quickly, nerving myself for whatever might happen.  At
+the same moment sounds of firing came from the street, and I heard the
+man Peleton exclaim, "Fly!  We are betrayed!"
+
+I turned to the door, but some one was already shooting the bolts,
+while a second person, pressing a pistol against my head, exclaimed
+roughly, "Don't move till we have a light.  The floor is uneven, and
+you might hurt yourself by falling."
+
+"You can put down that weapon," I said.  "I am not likely to run away,
+especially as I have come of my own free will to see your master's
+visitor."
+
+The fellow laughed, and lowered his pistol.
+
+"You will see him soon enough," said he, and I judged by his tone that
+he did not think the interview would be a pleasant one.
+
+Another man now arriving with a lantern, I was led to the end of the
+passage, up three steps, and so into a large room, sparsely furnished,
+but filled with soldiers.  Truly the Abbe was well advised in
+withdrawing from the conspiracy.
+
+"_Peste!_" exclaimed the officer in charge, "why, 'tis De Lalande
+himself, only the peacock has put on daw's feathers.  Well, my friend,
+you have sent your goods to sea in a leaky boat this time."
+
+He took a step towards me, and then stopped in astonishment.
+
+"What mystery is this?" he cried.  "Are you not Henri de Lalande?  But,
+no, I see the difference now.  Ah, Henri is a clever fellow after all;
+I thought he would not trust himself on this fool's errand.  But you
+are marvellously like him.  Well, well; whoever you are, the Cardinal
+is anxious to see you."
+
+"I came on purpose to speak to him.  Had I known he was so well
+prepared to receive visitors I might have spared myself a troublesome
+journey."
+
+"And deprived His Eminence of a great pleasure!  Unbuckle your sword,
+and place your pistols on the table.  The Cardinal is a man of peace,
+and likes not martial weapons."
+
+To resist was useless; so I surrendered sword and pistols, which the
+officer handed to one of his men.
+
+"Now," he said, "as you are so anxious to meet the Cardinal, I will
+take you to him at once.  This way."
+
+We toiled up a narrow, steep, and dimly-lighted staircase, at the top
+of which a soldier stood on guard, while another paced to and fro along
+the narrow landing.  Both these men, as well as those in the lower part
+of the house, wore the Cardinal's livery.
+
+There were three rooms, and, stopping outside the second, the officer
+knocked at the door, while the soldier on duty stood close behind me.
+For a time there was no answer, but presently a calm voice bade us
+enter, and the next instant I stood face to face with the most powerful
+man in France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+I Meet the Cardinal.
+
+My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large,
+lofty, and oddly furnished.  A table littered with papers and
+parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by
+hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one
+corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the
+uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains
+screened the lower end of the room.
+
+At the table sat two men of striking personal appearance.
+
+One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad,
+high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.  He was older than his
+companion, and the deeply-furrowed brow bespoke a life of much care,
+perhaps sorrow.  He was dressed in a brown robe, held loosely round the
+middle by silken cords; he wore slippers on his feet, and a tasselled
+cap partly covered his scanty white hair.  I put him down as the
+astrologer.
+
+The second man attracted and repelled me at the same time.  He was in
+the prime of life and undeniably handsome, while there was a look of
+sagacity, almost of craft, in his face.
+
+"A strong man," I thought, looking into his wonderful eyes.  "Not
+brave, perhaps, but dogged and tenacious.  A man of cunning, too, who
+will play a knave at his own game and beat him.  And yet, somehow, one
+would expect to find him occupied with paint-brush or guitar, rather
+than with the affairs of State."
+
+Stories of the powerful Cardinal had reached even my quiet home, but I
+had never met him, and now stood looking at his face longer perhaps
+than was in keeping with good manners.
+
+"Hum!" said he, watching me closely, "you are very young for a
+conspirator; you should be still with your tutor.  What is your name?"
+
+"Albert de Lalande," I replied.
+
+"De Lalande!" he echoed in surprise.  "The son of Charles de Lalande?"
+
+"Your Eminence is thinking of my cousin Henri."
+
+"Pouf! Are there two of you?  So much the worse; one of the family is
+sufficient.  Eh, Martin?"
+
+"This youth is like his cousin," replied the astrologer, "but I imagine
+he knows little of Paris.  I should say he is more at home in the
+fields than in the streets."
+
+"It seems he knows enough to be mixed up in a daring plot," said
+Mazarin with a grim smile.  "But, after all, my enemies do not rate my
+powers highly when they send a boy like this against me.  I believed I
+was of more importance."
+
+"No one sent me," I replied; "on the contrary, I came to warn you, but
+I need have had no fear for you, I find."
+
+The Cardinal sighed.  "The wolves do not always get into the
+sheep-fold," he murmured gently, at which, remembering the body of
+armed men below, I felt amused.
+
+He was about to speak again, when, after tapping at the door, an
+officer entered the room.  His clothes were torn and soiled, there was
+a smear of blood on the sleeve of his coat, and he glanced at his
+master sheepishly.
+
+"Alone!" exclaimed the latter in astonishment, upon which the soldier
+approached him and began to speak in whispers.  Mazarin was evidently
+displeased, but he listened courteously to the end.
+
+"What bad luck!" he cried.  "I thought they were all nicely trapped.
+However, no doubt you did your best.  Now go and let a surgeon attend
+to your hurts.  I see you have been wounded."
+
+"A mere scratch, your Eminence," replied the officer saluting, and,
+when he had withdrawn, the Cardinal again turned his attention to me.
+
+"Yes," said he, as if in answer to a question, "your companions have
+escaped: so much the better for them.  But, deprived of the
+bell-wether, the flock counts for little.  Now, as you value your life,
+tell me who sent you here.  I warn you to speak the truth; there are
+deep dungeons in the Bastille."
+
+"My story is a curious one, your Eminence, but it throws little light
+on the affair.  My father is the head of the De Lalande family, but he
+is poor, and has lost his estates.  The other day our friend, M.
+Belloc----"
+
+"Belloc?" exclaimed the Cardinal quickly, "what Belloc?"
+
+"Roland Belloc, your Eminence, a stout soldier and your faithful
+servant.  He offered, if I came to Paris, to speak to you on my behalf."
+
+"Go on," said Mazarin, with evident interest.
+
+"Shortly after his return to Paris I had the misfortune to offend Baron
+Maubranne of Vancey, and then my mother, who had before been unwilling
+to part from me, agreed to my leaving home.  I came to Paris, and
+inquired for my friend at the Palais Royal.  The soldiers declared he
+was absent, which was unfortunate for me.  However, I remembered the
+name of an inn at which another friend sometimes puts up, and I went
+there."
+
+"One must go somewhere," said Mazarin.
+
+"Yesterday," I continued, "a man brought me a note.  It was intended
+for some one else, but, not knowing that, I opened it.  It was very
+mysterious, but I gathered there was a conspiracy on foot, and that you
+were to be the victim."
+
+"That is generally the case," exclaimed Mazarin with a sigh.
+
+"As the conspirators mistook me for some one else----"
+
+"For your cousin!"
+
+"I resolved to play the part, in the hope of being able to put you on
+your guard."
+
+"A remarkable story!" said Mazarin thoughtfully.  "Eh, Martin?"
+
+"It seems to ring true, your Eminence," replied the astrologer.
+
+"There are two or three points, though, to be considered.  For
+instance," turning to me, "to which party does this second friend of
+yours belong?"
+
+"I really do not know that he belongs to any party."
+
+"Well, it is of small consequence.  Now, as to the people who came here
+with you?" and he cast a searching glance at my face.
+
+"I should not recognise them in the street."
+
+"But their names?" he cried impatiently.  "You must know at least who
+their leader was."
+
+"Pardon me," I said quietly, "but I did not undertake to play the spy.
+What I learned was by accident."
+
+"You will not tell me?" and he drummed on the table.
+
+"I cannot: it would be dishonourable."
+
+"Oh," said he with a sneer, "honour is not much esteemed in these days!"
+
+"My father has always taught me to look on it as the most important
+thing in the world."
+
+"A clear proof that he is a stranger to Paris.  However, I will not
+press you.  It will ill-suit my purpose to imprison D'Arcy--he is too
+useful as a conspirator," he added with a chuckle.
+
+I started in surprise at the mention of D'Arcy's name, and the Cardinal
+smiled.
+
+"At present," he said kindly, "your sword will be of more service to me
+than your brains.  Evidently you are not at home with our Parisian
+ways.  Come, let me give you a lesson on the question and answer
+principle.  How came I to be on my guard?  My spies, as it happened,
+were ignorant of the conspiracy."
+
+"Then one of the plotters betrayed his comrades."
+
+"Precisely.  Price--a thousand crowns.  Next, how did De Retz discover
+that the plot was known?"
+
+"That is more difficult to answer.  I thought at first he himself was
+the traitor."
+
+"A shrewd guess.  Why did you alter your opinion?"
+
+"Because De Retz cannot be in need of a thousand crowns."
+
+"Quite true.  Well, I will tell you the story; it will show you the
+manner of men with whom I have to deal.  Two thousand crowns are better
+than one; so my rogue having first sold the Abbe's secret to me,
+obtained another by warning him that the conspiracy was discovered."
+
+"But, in that case, why did he let his friends proceed with the scheme?"
+
+Mazarin laughed at my question, saying, "That opens up another matter.
+All these people hate me, but they don't love each other.  For
+instance, it would have delighted De Retz to learn that young D'Arcy
+was safe under lock and key in the Bastille."
+
+"Then he will be disappointed."
+
+Again the Cardinal laughed.
+
+"That," he said, "was my rogue's masterpiece.  Having pocketed his two
+thousand crowns, he sold us in the end by raising the alarm before my
+troops were ready.  In that way he will stand well with his party,
+while making a clear gain all round.  But, now, let us talk of
+yourself.  I understand you have come to Paris to seek your fortune."
+
+I bowed.
+
+"That means I must either have you on my side or against me.  There are
+several parties in Paris, but every man, ay, and woman too, is either a
+friend to Mazarin or his enemy.  What say you?  Will you wear the green
+scarf or not?  Think it over.  You are a free agent, and I shall
+welcome you as a friend, or respect you as a foe.  True, you are very
+young, but you seem a sensible lad.  Now make your choice."
+
+"Providence has decided for me," I answered.  "I shall be glad if I can
+be of any service to your Eminence."
+
+"Good!  Serve me faithfully, and you shall not be able to accuse
+Mazarin of being a niggardly paymaster.  Belloc will return in a day or
+two, and we will have a talk with him.  But the night flies.  Martin,
+my trusty friend, I must depart: we will discuss those accounts at a
+quieter season."
+
+"At your pleasure," replied the astrologer, and then at a signal from
+Mazarin, a grizzled veteran stepped out from behind the curtain.
+
+"M. de Lalande's sword will be returned to him," said the Cardinal,
+"and he will await me with the Guards."
+
+"_Ma foi!_ you are a lucky youngster!" exclaimed my guide when we were
+out of earshot; "Mazarin has quite taken to you.  I have never known
+any one jump into his favour so quickly."
+
+The soldiers still stood at attention in the lower room, and the
+officer on being informed of the Cardinal's orders returned my pistols
+and helped me to buckle on my sword.
+
+"A pleasanter task," he remarked, "than escorting you to the Bastille,
+where I expected you would pass the night.  Have you joined the
+Cardinal's service?"
+
+"More or less," I answered laughing.  "I hardly know how things stand
+till M. Belloc returns."
+
+"Are you acquainted with him?"
+
+"He is one of my father's chief friends, perhaps the only one.  I
+inquired for him the other day at the Palais Royal, but your men are
+not too affable to a stranger.  Perhaps they would have been less surly
+but for my shabby mantle."
+
+Before he had time to reply, Mazarin made his appearance, and, after
+issuing some orders, requested me to follow him.  The street was
+deserted, the people were in bed, there was no sign of any troops, and
+I could not help thinking how completely the Cardinal had placed
+himself in my power.  He, however, appeared to anticipate no danger,
+but walked steadily, leaning on my arm.
+
+"The night air is cold," he said presently, drawing his black mantle
+closer round him--and after a pause, "Do you know your way?  Ah, I had
+forgotten.  Your home is near Vancey?"
+
+"_At_ Vancey, my grandsire would have answered, your Eminence, but
+times have changed, and we with them."
+
+"It is hard work climbing the ladder, but harder still to stand on the
+top," remarked the Cardinal, and he asked me to tell him something of
+my family history.  So, as we walked through the silent streets of the
+slumbering city, I described sadly how the broad acres of my
+forefathers had dwindled to a solitary farm.
+
+We were in sight of the Palais Royal when I finished the melancholy
+narrative, and Mazarin stopped.  The night was already past, and, in
+the light of the early dawn, we saw each other's faces distinctly.  It
+may have been mere fancy, or the result of the severe strain on my
+nerves, or, more simple still, the manner in which the half light
+played on his face, but it seemed to me that the powerful Cardinal had
+become strangely agitated.
+
+"Did you hear anything?" he asked suddenly, pressing my arm.  "Listen,
+there it is again," and from our right came the sound of a low, clear
+whistle.
+
+"It is a signal of some sort," I said.
+
+"Yes," he exclaimed, "but fortunately it was given just too late.  I
+must be more careful in future.  Come!  The sooner we are inside the
+gate the better," and he walked so quickly that I had much ado to keep
+pace with him.
+
+Passing the sentries at the gate, we crossed the courtyard, and entered
+the Palais Royal through a narrow door leading to a private staircase.
+Turning to the left at the top, Mazarin led the way along what appeared
+to be an endless succession of corridors.  Soldiers were stationed here
+and there, but, instantly recognising the cloaked figure, they saluted
+and we passed on.
+
+At last Mazarin paused, and blowing softly on a silver whistle was
+instantly joined by a man in civilian attire.
+
+"Find M. de Lalande food and a bed," exclaimed the Cardinal briskly.
+"For the present he is my guest, and will remain within call.  Has M.
+Belloc returned?"
+
+"No, my Lord."
+
+"Let him attend me immediately upon his arrival.  Where are the
+reports?"
+
+"On your table, my Lord."
+
+"Very good.  See to M. de Lalande, and then wait in the ante-chamber.
+You may be wanted."
+
+The man, who, I imagine, was a kind of under secretary, made a low bow,
+and motioned me to follow him, which I did gladly, being both hungry
+and tired.  Showing me into a large room, he rang the bell and ordered
+supper.  The excitement had not destroyed my appetite, and I did ample
+justice to the meal.  Then, passing to an inner chamber, I undressed
+and went to bed, to sleep as soundly as if I had still been under my
+father's roof.
+
+For three days I saw nothing more of the Cardinal.  All sorts of people
+came and went--powerful nobles, soldiers, a few bourgeois, and a number
+of men whom I classed in my own mind as spies.  They crowded the
+ante-room for hours, waiting till the minister had leisure to receive
+them.
+
+On the fourth morning I was lounging in the corridor, having nothing
+better to do, when a soldier passed into the ante-room.  His clothes
+were soiled and muddy; he was booted and spurred, and had apparently
+just returned from a long journey.
+
+"M. Belloc!" I exclaimed, but he did not hear me, and before I could
+reach him he had gone into Mazarin's room, much to the disgust of those
+who had been waiting since early morning for an audience.
+
+As he remained closeted with the Cardinal for more than an hour, it was
+evident he brought important news, and the people in the ante-room
+wondered what it could be.
+
+"He is a clever fellow," remarked one.  "I know him well.  No one has
+greater influence with Mazarin."
+
+"The Cardinal is brewing a surprise," whispered another.  "Paris will
+have a chance to gossip in a day or two."
+
+"It is rumoured," continued the first, "that De Retz nearly found
+himself in the Bastille only the other night."
+
+"'Twould have served him right, too; he is a regular monkey for
+mischief.  I wonder the Cardinal has put up with his tricks so long."
+
+Thus they chattered among themselves till at last the door opened, and
+the secretary came out.  A dozen men pressed forward eagerly, but,
+making his way through them, he approached the corner where I sat.
+
+"M. de Lalande," he said, "the Cardinal wishes to see you."
+
+I jumped up and followed him, amidst cold looks and scarcely concealed
+sneers at my shabby dress.  It has often astonished me that people show
+such contempt for an old coat.
+
+Mazarin stood with his back to the fireplace talking to my father's old
+friend.
+
+"This is the youngster," said he, as I entered.  "Do you know him?"
+
+"Ay," answered Belloc, "I know him well, and I warrant he will prove as
+faithful a follower as any who draws your pay.  I have yet to hear of a
+De Lalande deserting his flag.  Even Henri, scamp though he may be, is
+loyal to his party.  When De Retz sinks, Henri de Lalande will sink
+with him."
+
+"_Ma foi!_" exclaimed the Cardinal, "such a fellow would be well worth
+gaining over!"
+
+"You would find him proof against bribes or threats.  And I warrant
+this lad is of the same mettle."
+
+"Your friend gives you a high character, M. de Lalande," said the
+Cardinal smiling.
+
+"I hope he will not be disappointed in me, your Eminence."
+
+"Remember you are responsible for him," continued Mazarin, turning to
+the soldier.  "Let his name be placed on your books; no doubt I shall
+soon find him something to do.  Now I must carry your despatches to Her
+Majesty."
+
+"Come with me, Albert," said Belloc, "and tell me all the news.  You
+have made a good start; Mazarin speaks highly of your intelligence.
+This way!  I am going to my quarters; I have been in the saddle for the
+last few days."
+
+Roland Belloc was decidedly a man of influence at the Palais Royal.
+Officers and soldiers saluted respectfully as he passed, while he in
+turn had a smile and a nod for every one.
+
+He had two rooms in a corner of the Palace, one of which served as a
+bedroom.  The other was sparsely furnished, while its principal
+ornaments were spurs and gauntlets, swords and pistols, which hung on
+the walls.
+
+As soon as he had changed his clothing he sat down, and bade me explain
+how I came to be in Paris.  His brow darkened when I related
+Maubranne's insults, and though he made no remark, I knew he was
+terribly angry.
+
+"You have had quite a series of adventures," he said at length, "and,
+for a youngster, have come remarkably well through them.  Your foot is
+on the ladder now, my boy, and I hope you will climb high.  Mazarin is
+a good master to a good servant, and he rules France.  Bear that in
+mind.  If all his enemies joined together I doubt if they could beat
+him, but they hate each other too much to unite."
+
+"What shall I have to do?"
+
+"I cannot say till the Cardinal gives his orders.  He may make you an
+officer in the Guards, or keep you near him as a sort of body-servant.
+But do your duty wherever you are placed.  Every step forward means a
+brighter chance of recovering Vancey."
+
+"That is never long out of my thoughts."
+
+"'Tis a good goal to try for, and not an impossible one either.  Have
+you quarters in the Palace?"
+
+"Temporary ones, till Mazarin has decided how to employ me."
+
+The old soldier kept me with him some time longer, but seeing he was
+tired I made some excuse to get away, promising to call again in the
+morning.  His return had cheered me considerably.  Hitherto I had been
+very lonely among the crowds of courtiers, but now I felt secure of
+having at least one friend in the vast building.
+
+It was strange, too, what a difference his friendship made in my
+position.  Gaily-dressed young nobles, who, after a glance at my shabby
+doublet, had passed by without a word, now stopped and entered into
+conversation, pressing me to come here and there, as if I were their
+most intimate friend.
+
+However, I declined their invitations, thinking it best to keep in the
+background till I had learned more of the Cardinal's intentions.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The Reception at the Luxembourg.
+
+"Albert?  Is it possible?"
+
+"Even so.  Are you surprised to see that the daw has become a peacock?"
+
+A week had passed since my midnight adventure, and I was taking the air
+in the public gardens.  Many richly-dressed cavaliers were strolling
+about, and among them I recognised my friend Raoul Beauchamp.  He saw
+me almost at the same time, and, leaving his comrades, came over
+instantly.
+
+"I' faith," said he merrily, "a very handsome one, too!  For a
+country-bred youngster you have not done badly.  Let us take a stroll
+on the Pont Neuf while you tell your story.  I am dying of curiosity.
+Do you know you have made a splash in the world?"
+
+"A truce to flattery, Raoul," I laughed.
+
+"It is a fact, my dear fellow.  In certain circles you are the mystery
+of the day.  Your cousin Henri growls like a savage bear at your name;
+Armand d'Arcy does nothing but laugh and call himself an oaf; while
+only last night De Retz declared you were worth your weight in gold.
+And, to make matters worse, no one could say whether you were free or
+in the Bastille!  Anyway, I am glad you have not joined Mazarin's
+Guards."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because you should be one of us, and we are opposed to Mazarin."
+
+"The Cardinal is a well-hated man!"
+
+"A wretched Italian priest!  The nation will have none of him.  Before
+long France will be quit of Mazarin."
+
+"And what will happen then?"
+
+"_Ma foi!_  I know not," replied Raoul, "except that the Duke of
+Orleans will take his rightful place, as the King's uncle, at the head
+of affairs.  Parliament, of course, will have to be suppressed, Conde
+bought over--as usual he will want the lion's share of the
+spoils--while De Retz must be kept quiet with a Cardinal's hat.  He
+expects to be made minister in Mazarin's stead, but that is a fool's
+dream."
+
+"But, suppose that, after all, Mazarin should win the game?"
+
+"Bah! it is impossible.  We are too strong for him.  I will tell you a
+secret.  In a month at the outside----"
+
+I stopped him hurriedly, exclaiming, "Be careful, Raoul, or you may
+tell too much."
+
+Looking at me in consternation, he said slowly, "You do not mean to
+suggest that you have gone over to Mazarin?"
+
+"At least I have taken service with him."
+
+"Then we shall be fighting on opposite sides!  What a wretched business
+it is, breaking up old friendships in this way!"
+
+"Ours need not be broken; and as to your party schemes against the
+Cardinal, they are bound to fail.  There are too many traitors among
+you.  Mazarin learns of your plots as soon as they are formed, and you
+wonder at his skill in evading them!  Why, he has nothing to do but sit
+still and watch you destroy each other."
+
+"A pleasant prospect!" exclaimed Raoul; "but now about yourself.  You
+have not yet explained how you became a _Mazarin_, and it is difficult
+to distinguish the truth among a host of fables."
+
+"It will be more difficult for you to believe it;" upon which I
+recounted my various adventures since arriving in the city.
+
+"D'Arcy is true as steel," said he, "but too thoughtless to be trusted
+with a secret.  As to De Retz, I warned the Duke to have nothing to do
+with him.  He fights for his own hand, and cares not who sinks as long
+as he swims."
+
+"Still," I suggested, "the first traitor must have been one of your own
+people."
+
+He recognised the force of this, and eagerly questioned me with a view
+to learning the name of the man who had sold his party; but in this I
+did not gratify him, having no more than a suspicion, though a strong
+one, myself.
+
+For some time after this we walked along in silence, but presently he
+said, "I suppose you are established in the Palais Royal?"
+
+"No.  Belloc--you remember my father's old friend--wished to give me a
+commission in the Guards, but the Cardinal thought I could serve him
+better in another direction.  For the present I am living in the street
+which runs at right angles to the front entrance."
+
+"Well within call," remarked Raoul, adding, "meet me at the Luxembourg
+this evening; the Duke holds a reception.  You need not fear putting
+your head in the lion's mouth.  There is a truce: the calm before the
+storm; so let us make the most of it.  You will come, will you not?
+That is right.  I must leave you now; there is Vautier beckoning, but
+we shall meet again this evening."
+
+When he had gone I began to reckon up how things stood.  Raoul was my
+bosom friend, who had held by me through good and ill.  I loved him as
+a brother, and now it appeared we might be engaged at any time in
+mortal strife.  The prospect was not pleasant, and I walked back to the
+Rue des Catonnes in anything but cheerful spirits.
+
+I had selected this street, because, as Raoul said, it was within call:
+the rooms I had chosen on account of their cheapness.  To my surprise
+and disgust, the Cardinal proved a poor paymaster, and, after buying my
+fine new clothes, there was little money left to spend in rent.
+
+But I reflected there were more people who would notice my velvet suit,
+silver aigulets, lace collar, black hat with its imposing feather, and
+black leather boots, than would know I lived in two small rooms in a
+dirty street; and experience has taught me how high a value the world
+sets on outside show.  So I walked with head erect, and just the
+smallest swagger, and the passers-by did not fail to yield the wall to
+such a brilliant gallant.  Albert de Lalande in rich velvet was a very
+different person from the simple country youth in rusty black, whose
+poverty had provoked the sneers of the guests at Vancey.
+
+By one of those wonderful changes, which, more than anything, marked
+this period, Paris had become quiet and peaceful.  The Frondeurs, as
+Mazarin's enemies were called, had stopped their private quarrels; the
+friends of Orleans joked with those of Conde; the agents of Mazarin and
+the followers of De Retz walked together like brothers; the citizens
+laid aside their weapons; the night-hawks had returned to their roosts.
+Instead of meeting with insults, the Queen Regent was greeted with
+applause; people shouted themselves hoarse on seeing the little King,
+thus expressing their loyalty in the cheapest and emptiest manner.
+
+But no one, except his paid servants, spoke a word in favour of
+Mazarin, and in his cabinet at the Palais Royal, the real ruler of
+France sat like a big spider spinning his web; very slowly, very
+patiently, but strongly and surely.  The threads might become loose or
+even destroyed; it mattered not.  With a steady perseverance that no
+defeat could daunt, the spinning went on.  The loose ends were caught
+up; fresh threads replaced those carried away.  It was plain that the
+death of the spinner alone could prevent the completion of the web.
+
+But this was looking too far ahead for all save a very few.  The
+majority accepted the strange truce without question, and, happy in the
+present sunshine, cared nothing for the dark clouds that might arise in
+the future.
+
+The streets were thronged with pleasure-seekers, and at night I could
+scarcely reach the Luxembourg for the crowd.  It was a pleasant crowd,
+however, totally unlike the surly threatening mob I had twice seen and
+did not wish to see again.  No one quarrelled; nothing constituted a
+cause for anger; the nearest approach to ill-humour being a
+reproachful, "Oh, monsieur, you trod on my foot!" from a pretty girl to
+a stout citizen, who offered a thousand apologies for his clumsiness,
+and was charmingly pardoned.
+
+At the Luxembourg itself the crowds and the good-humour were repeated.
+The courtyard was filled with gorgeous equipages, brilliantly dressed
+lackeys, guards, musketeers, gigantic Swiss soldiers, in all
+descriptions of uniform.  I smiled at the vague nature of Raoul's
+invitation.  Certainly I had come to the Luxembourg, but to find my
+friend was another matter.  A few days previously I should have gone
+away in despair, but Paris had begun my education, and, instead of
+turning back, I walked towards the grand staircase.
+
+A yellow carriage had drawn up at the entrance, and two ladies
+descended from it.  I moved aside to let them pass, when one, a
+beautiful woman, with laughing eyes, exclaimed, "M. de Lalande!"
+
+I had sufficient presence of mind to make a profound bow, when the fair
+stranger cried with a merry laugh, "Give me your arm.  What new trick
+is this?  What are you doing here?"
+
+"I am looking for M. Beauchamp."
+
+"He is a nice boy, but I did not know that you and he were fond of each
+other."
+
+"We are very old friends, madame."
+
+We had reached the first landing, and were waiting for the people in
+front to pass on, when I answered, and the lady, looking very hard at
+me, exclaimed, "Why, what is the meaning of this?  Surely you are, and
+yet are not, M. de Lalande?"
+
+"I expect, madame, that you have mistaken me for my cousin Henri.  My
+name is Albert."
+
+"Why, then, you belong to Mazarin's party!  I have heard of you.  Do
+you know that you have done us much mischief?  But there, a truce to
+quarrelling," and, keeping me at her side, she entered a magnificent
+salon ablaze with light and colour.
+
+I was gazing with delight at the scene when my companion exclaimed with
+a smile, "Mazarin has not destroyed us all yet, it seems.  But there is
+M. Beauchamp!  Raoul, come here, you naughty boy!  Here is a friend of
+yours from the opposite camp.  I leave him in your charge.  I must go
+to the Duke, who has just discovered me, and fancies I am hatching
+fresh plots.  What a suspicious world it is!" and with this the
+beautiful woman swept across the room, every one making way for her.
+
+"That is Madame la Duchesse de Chevreuse," explained Raoul.  "I suppose
+she took you at first for Henri.  She is one of our chief supporters,
+though really she has done the cause more harm than Mazarin will ever
+do.  But come, there is an old friend yonder who wishes to see you."
+
+He led me across the salon to where sat a fair girl with large, dreamy,
+tender blue eyes, an oval face framed in a mass of golden hair,
+delicate features, and a complexion like the bloom on a peach.  This
+was Marie de Brione, who, when a little girl, had lived near Vancey,
+and had often played with Raoul and myself.
+
+"I am going to scold you, Albert," she said smiling.  "How is it you
+are against us?  I thought we three old friends were sure to stand
+together.  I could scarcely credit Raoul when he told me you had joined
+the Cardinal."
+
+"It is very unfortunate," I stammered, "but I imagined I was acting for
+the best by helping Mazarin."
+
+"You are a silly boy!  When we have overthrown Mazarin we shall have to
+put you in the Bastille!"
+
+"And in the lowest dungeon," added Raoul.
+
+"You will find me more generous," I laughed.  "The Cardinal is sure to
+win, and then I shall request him to forgive you two.  Perhaps he will
+pardon you if I beg very hard."
+
+"You heap coals of fire on our heads!  After all, it may be a good
+thing to number one friend among our enemies."
+
+"I am sure it will."
+
+"Here is Marie's aunt," said Raoul.  "I do not know what she will say
+at finding us on friendly terms with a _Mazarin_."
+
+Madame Coutance was a widow, though hardly older than her niece.  She
+was tall and graceful, with coils of dark hair covering her shapely
+head.  Her eyes were large, black, bright and flashing; she had a
+straight nose, small mouth, with white even teeth, and tiny hands.  I
+had not met her before, but since the death of Marie's parents she had
+taken the girl under her charge.
+
+She entered heartily into Raoul's joke, pretending to regard me as a
+terrible enemy, and declaring the Duke ought not to permit me to leave
+the salon except as a prisoner.  Jest and laughter made the time fly
+swiftly, and I was sorry when at last Raoul and I attended the ladies
+to their carriage.
+
+"Do not forget the Rue Crillon, Monsieur de Lalande," exclaimed Marie's
+aunt as we stood a moment at the foot of the staircase, "unless you
+fear to trust yourself in our company.  I must win you over to our
+side; your talents will be thrown away on Mazarin.  But the horses are
+impatient, and we block the way; so adieu, messieurs," and she waved a
+small, delicately-gloved hand in farewell.
+
+It was one o'clock, but the Luxembourg blazed with lights; the number
+of guests had scarcely diminished, though numerous carriages were drawn
+up in readiness to start, and groups of people still lingered outside
+to watch the termination of the brilliant fete.
+
+"What do you think of Madame Coutance?" asked my comrade, as her
+carriage rolled away.
+
+"She is very beautiful, and, if possible, more reckless even than
+Madame de Chevreuse.  I hope she will not cause Marie to suffer through
+her folly."
+
+Raoul's face clouded, but he affected to laugh at the idea of danger.
+
+"The Duke will protect them," he remarked grandly, but on this point I
+had my doubts.  However, since no good ever comes through disputing
+over a matter of opinion, I allowed the subject to drop, and prepared
+to take my leave.
+
+"Are you going?" he asked.  "I would have liked to introduce you to
+D'Arcy.  He has been on duty all night, but will be free shortly."
+
+"I should have been delighted, but I have to visit the Cardinal at
+seven this morning."
+
+"And after?"
+
+"If he doesn't need me, I shall go to bed.  I am fatigued by these late
+hours."
+
+"That is right," said he laughing.  "I shall make the most of the
+truce, by calling for you this evening.  Rue des Catonnes?"
+
+"Third house from the corner, but I will watch for you."
+
+Raoul, being in attendance on the Duke of Orleans, returned to the
+palace, while I left the courtyard in a rather thoughtful mood.  I did
+not altogether like what I had heard of Madame Coutance.  It seemed
+that she had joined, heart and soul, in the plots against Mazarin, and
+was regarded by his enemies with much favour.
+
+As a conspirator, however, she had several failings.  She boasted not
+alone of the victories won, but also of the victories she was about to
+win, and was so confident of her powers that she could never be brought
+to understand the strength of her opponents.  I regarded her as rather
+a dangerous guardian for a young girl, and hoped she would not drag
+Marie into mischief.  Away from the Luxembourg the streets were
+deserted, save for a few night-birds who were slinking off to their own
+quarters.  The Rue des Catonnes was in darkness, but I knew the way,
+and, mounting the stairs quickly, reached my room.
+
+"The Cardinal must not be kept waiting," I muttered, "but there is time
+for a short nap," and I got into bed.
+
+A few minutes before seven o'clock I crossed the courtyard of the
+Palais Royal, ascended the grand staircase, stopped a moment as usual
+to joke with the Guards; and, traversing the corridor, reached
+Mazarin's room just as his secretary came out.
+
+"Go straight in, M. de Lalande.  His Eminence expects you at seven, and
+the clock has given warning."
+
+The last stroke had not sounded as I entered the room.
+
+The Cardinal had been at work for hours.  He sat at a table covered
+with documents, and, still perusing one of them, exclaimed in his
+silky, purring voice, "You are punctual, M. de Lalande!"
+
+"Yes, my lord."
+
+"I feared," said he slowly, and rustling the paper, "that last night's
+festivities might have fatigued you."
+
+He turned and looked at me so as to enjoy my surprise, but, managing
+with an effort to preserve my composure, I remarked that I left the
+Luxembourg early.
+
+"Very sensible," he murmured.  "And may I ask how you found your
+charming friend, Madame de Chevreuse?"
+
+"Madame de Chevreuse is no friend of mine," I stammered awkwardly.  "I
+met her for the first time last night, when she mistook me for my
+cousin."
+
+"That likeness must be very embarrassing.  It would be unfortunate if
+the public executioner should make a similar mistake!  But let us not
+dwell on these things; tell me about the latest plot of Madame
+Coutance."
+
+I ignored the first part of this speech, though it sounded odd, and
+laughed at the last, but Mazarin checked me.
+
+"You do not take Madame Coutance seriously?" said he.  "You are wrong,
+she is a very troublesome woman.  She is like a child playing with
+tinder, and may make a blaze at any moment without knowing it.  The
+safety of the State demands that such persons should be deprived of the
+power to work mischief."
+
+"She did not tell me her plans," I said.  "She was aware that I had the
+honour of serving you."
+
+"Well, these matters are of trifling interest," he replied briskly,
+"since one has enemies no longer.  Really your post is a sinecure.  I
+have no more important business for you than to carry this letter to
+our old acquaintance, Martin, the astrologer, and to bring back an
+answer.  Perhaps it will be as well to travel on foot; you will attract
+less attention."
+
+Handing me a sealed note, which I placed in my pocket, he signified
+that the interview was at an end, and I left the room.
+
+It was fortunate that the Cardinal had given me a simple task, for my
+brain was in a whirl.  The man was a marvel, he seemed aware of
+everything one did and said, and perhaps everything one thought.  His
+spies were all over the city, and, whether from fear or greed, they
+served him well.
+
+I thought of Madame Coutance, and the peril in which she stood.  Thus
+far he had spared her, but at any moment a secret order might go forth,
+and the lady would be spirited away beyond the reach of friends.  It
+was possible, too, that Marie would share her aunt's fate, though I did
+not believe the girl had much to do with the plots against Mazarin.
+
+Who could have informed him of my visit to the Luxembourg?  He had
+evidently heard all about it, and perhaps suspected me of playing him
+false.  If so, he was at fault.  Rightly or wrongly, I believed him to
+be the only man who could govern France till the king came of age, and,
+though feeling little love for him, I resolved to do everything in my
+power to defeat his enemies.
+
+A strong, hearty voice put dreams to flight, and, looking up, I saw
+Roland Belloc, who was laughing pleasantly.
+
+"Dreaming, my boy, and at this time in the morning?" said he.  "Have
+you breakfasted?  If not, come with me."
+
+"Many thanks," I replied, "but I have no time.  I am on the Cardinal's
+business, and----"
+
+"Enough," said my old friend; "when the Cardinal has business on hand,
+breakfast must wait.  Many a time it has been afternoon before I have
+found leisure for bite or sup.  By the way, you are growing in favour,
+my boy, let me tell you.  If you were only a few years older you would
+obtain a high post.  Only your youth is against you, and every day
+makes that obstacle less."
+
+"It does!" I replied, laughing.  "I hope you will enjoy your breakfast;
+I am going to seek an appetite for mine."
+
+"Don't miss the breakfast when you have found the appetite," said he
+merrily; "I have known that happen before now," and the jovial, though
+rugged, old soldier marched off to his quarters.
+
+Making sure that the note was safe, I descended the staircase, crossed
+the courtyard, passed the sentries, who by this time were beginning to
+recognise me, and started on my journey.
+
+Paris was waking up when I left the Palais Royal, but only a few people
+were stirring in the streets, and I pursued my way without hindrance,
+musing over the Cardinal's pleasantries and Roland Belloc's information.
+
+"Faith," I muttered to myself, "Mazarin has a strange method of showing
+his favour."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Was I Mistaken?
+
+At the corner of the narrow street opposite the astrologer's house I
+stopped suddenly, and hid in the shelter of a doorway.  Two men,
+wearing cloaks so arranged that their faces could not be seen, stood
+before the door, waiting for admission.  One, a short man, was a
+stranger to me, but at the other I looked my hardest.
+
+It is not an easy matter to distinguish a person whose features are
+hidden, but if height, build, and general carriage counted for
+anything, then the tall man was no other than my cousin Henri.
+Presently, after a whispered conversation with some one inside, they
+entered the house, and the door was shut.
+
+Now, although Mazarin kept his own counsel, I had learned that the
+house of the good Martin was a kind of spider's web, and that the silly
+flies entangled in its meshes were for the most part members of the
+Fronde.  The house was visited by persons of both sexes and of all
+ranks, from the members of the Royal family downwards.  They went there
+for all sorts of purposes.  Some required rare medicines, others charms
+to ward off or drive away disease; one desired to learn the date of his
+death, another the success or failure of his plans, which the
+astrologer was supposed to tell by the stars or by means of crystal
+globes.
+
+And the learned Martin, while plying his strange trade, discovered all
+their secrets, their hopes and fears, their ambitions, their loves and
+hates; and in due time the information reached that famous room in the
+Palais Royal, where the wily Italian sat, spinning the fate of men and
+nations alike.
+
+It was no rare event therefore for strangers to be observed at the
+astrologer's house, and in an ordinary way I should have taken no
+further notice of the incident.  But if one of the visitors was really
+my cousin, there must be something strange happening.  He had no faith
+in the stars, and would certainly not bother his head about the future
+as depicted in glass balls.
+
+Besides--and this made the mystery deeper--he must know that Martin was
+the Cardinal's friend, or rather dependant; and it seemed strange that
+so clever a man as my cousin should trust himself in an enemy's power.
+My head began to swim again as I tried to reason the matter out.  Was
+it Henri after all?  It was possible I had been mistaken, and in any
+case the note must be delivered, so, crossing the road, I knocked
+boldly at the door.
+
+After some delay the window above my head was opened, and a man
+glancing out asked my business.
+
+"To see your master, and that sharply," I replied.
+
+Saying he would admit me immediately, the fellow disappeared, and
+presently I heard him stumbling along the passage.  He spent a long
+time undoing the bolts and bars, but at last the door was opened wide.
+
+"Enter, monsieur," said the fellow, "you will be welcome, though my
+master is not dressed to receive visitors.  He has passed the night in
+reading the heavens, and is fatigued."
+
+"That is strange!  I thought he already had callers this morning."
+
+Gazing at me in profound astonishment, the man exclaimed, "Visitors
+here, monsieur?  Impossible!  You are the first to call."
+
+"I must have been mistaken, then," said I, with assumed calmness, but
+really more perplexed than ever.  Unless my eyes had deceived me, the
+man was not speaking truly--but why?  Surely his master was at liberty
+to receive anyone who chose to visit him!
+
+Then another idea struck me.  If Henri was one of the two men who had
+entered the house, were we likely to meet? and if so, what would
+happen?  I had done his cause much harm, and had besides made him a
+laughing-stock for the wits of Paris.  Martin was no fighting man, and
+the odds against me would be at least two to one.  It seemed as if I
+had stumbled again by accident into a hornet's nest.
+
+While I brooded over these things the man fumbled with the door, taking
+so long to replace the bars that I called on him sharply to make more
+haste.
+
+"I am ready, monsieur; this way," and he led me along the well-known
+passage, up the crazy staircase, and so to the corridor, where on my
+recent visit a soldier had kept guard.
+
+Opening the door of the room in which I had first met Mazarin, the man
+requested me to step inside and wait a moment or two whilst his master
+dressed.  The apartment appeared empty, but I kept my hand on my sword,
+and was careful to peer behind the curtain.  Rather, perhaps, to my
+surprise no one was there; so I returned to the middle of the room and
+stood by the table.  In truth I felt very uneasy, and wished myself
+safely in the street.
+
+Five anxious minutes passed before the astrologer entered.  He was
+attired in dressing-gown, skull-cap, and slippers, and by his face one
+would judge that he really had been keeping vigil all night.
+
+"I regret to have kept you waiting," he said, with an air of apology,
+"but your visit is somewhat early."
+
+"Yet it seems I am not the first to need your services this morning."
+
+"How?" exclaimed he.  "You are mistaken.  No one but yourself has been
+here since yesterday."
+
+"Well, I was certainly under the impression that two men entered this
+house, as I approached it.  But it is no concern of mine, except that
+their presence might interfere with my errand.  Be kind enough to read
+this note, and to give me a written reply for the Cardinal."
+
+Breaking the seal, he read the missive, and sitting down, rapidly
+covered a sheet of paper with small, cramped, but legible writing,
+while I stood on guard and alert, half expecting a sudden attack from
+some unknown enemies.
+
+However, nothing unusual happened.  The astrologer finished his letter,
+sealed it, and handed it to me, saying earnestly, "Take care of this,
+as it is of more consequence than you may imagine.  Further, it is
+necessary that His Eminence should receive it without delay."
+
+"_Peste!_" answered I laughing; "as my breakfast still waits for me in
+the Rue des Catonnes I am not likely to waste much time on the road,"
+and, bidding him adieu, I followed the servant, who had remained in the
+corridor, downstairs.
+
+"Monsieur has discovered his error?" said the fellow, questioningly, as
+he conducted me along the narrow passage.
+
+"Yes, the men must have gone into the next house.  However, it does not
+matter one way or another.  I only feared to be kept waiting."
+
+It was pleasant to be in the open air again, and I drew a deep breath.
+The janitor barred the door, and I crossed the road in a state of
+bewilderment.  That two men had entered the house I felt positive, and
+the more so from the odd behaviour of Martin and his servant.  Who were
+they?  What did they want?  Why had Martin lied about the matter?
+These questions, and others like them, kept my brain busily employed,
+but to no purpose.  I could supply no satisfactory answers, and every
+passing moment left me more perplexed.
+
+It struck me once that Martin was playing the Cardinal false, but this
+seemed absurd, and yet----
+
+"No, no," I muttered, "he would not dare.  Still, there is something
+going on with which Mazarin should be made acquainted."
+
+I did not relish the idea of playing the spy, but I was breaking no
+confidence, and, after all, it was necessary to protect one's own
+friends.  My plan was soon formed.  I walked along the narrow street,
+waited five minutes at the farther end, and returned cautiously to a
+dingy cabaret, from which a good view of the house could be obtained.
+
+"Now," thought I, "unless my wits are wool-gathering, I am about to
+behold a miracle.  I am going to see two men leave a place which they
+did not enter.  Surely this Martin is something more than an
+astrologer?"
+
+For nearly an hour I remained with my eyes fixed on the door, which,
+however, remained closed, and I began to feel a trifle discouraged.
+What if I had discovered a mare's nest?  The important letter was still
+in my pocket, and Mazarin would be none too pleased at the delay.
+Perhaps it would be best to abandon the enterprise and to return at
+once.
+
+I had almost resolved on this plan when two men strolled past the inn.
+Filled with amazement, I rose quickly, and went into the street.  The
+door of the astrologer's house was shut; in truth it had not been
+opened, yet here were my mysterious strangers several yards in front of
+me!  Rubbing my eyes, I wondered if I had made a second blunder!  But
+that was impossible, and the idea not worth considering.  While I stood
+thus, dazed and half-stupefied by the strangeness of the affair, the
+men had walked half-way along the street.
+
+Paris was now fully awake, the shops were open, people were hurrying to
+their daily tasks, and the number of persons abroad made it difficult
+to keep sight of my quarry.  Several times the men stopped, and glanced
+behind, as if afraid of being followed, but they did not notice me,
+and, after a long roundabout journey, we all reached the Rue St.
+Dominique.
+
+Here the strangers, evidently concluding that caution was no longer
+necessary, pushed back their hats and drew their cloaks from their
+faces.  It was as I had suspected from the first--the tall man was my
+cousin Henri, but his companion was unknown to me.  Taking a good look,
+in order to describe him to Mazarin, I found him to be a short, dark
+man, with an ugly face, but beautiful white teeth.  His eyes were beady
+and restless, he was bandy-legged, and walked with a peculiarly awkward
+gait.
+
+Half-way along the street the two stopped outside a handsome building,
+conversed earnestly together for several minutes, and then, ascending
+the steps, disappeared.
+
+"Pouf!" I exclaimed.  "What can that little bandy-legged fellow be
+doing at the Hotel de Chevreuse?  I wager he and my cousin are brewing
+some fresh mischief."
+
+As no good could possibly come from further waiting, I turned away, and
+hurried back to the Palais Royal, eager to inform Mazarin of my
+discovery, and to get my breakfast.  Roland Belloc met me in the
+courtyard, and held up a warning finger.
+
+"You are in disgrace, my friend," said he, gravely; "the Cardinal has
+been waiting for you a long time.  He has sent out repeatedly in the
+last hour to ask if you had returned."
+
+"He will forgive the delay--I have discovered something of importance."
+
+Dressed in his ceremonial robes, the Cardinal sat at the table, with an
+ominous frown on his face.
+
+"The letter!" he cried impatiently, directly on my entrance.  "Where is
+Martin's list?  By my faith, M. de Lalande, you do well to keep Her
+Majesty waiting a whole hour!" and he took the paper from my hand
+somewhat ungraciously.
+
+The letter apparently contained good news, and the Cardinal, smiling
+almost joyously, rose to leave the room.
+
+"One moment, my Lord," I observed, "I have something to tell you which
+may be important."
+
+"It must stay till after the audience; I cannot keep the Queen waiting
+longer.  I shall return in an hour or two.  Meanwhile Bernouin will see
+that you obtain some breakfast," and he summoned his secretary.
+
+"M. de Lalande has not breakfasted," said he.  "I leave him in your
+charge.  Meanwhile I can see no one.  Do you understand?"
+
+Bernouin, a man of few words, responded by a low bow.
+
+After partaking of a hearty breakfast, I lay down upon a couch, and,
+being thoroughly tired, fell fast asleep, not waking again till towards
+the middle of the afternoon, when Bernouin came to say the Cardinal
+awaited me.
+
+Jumping up, I followed the secretary, not wishing to receive a further
+reproof from the minister.  Pausing at the door, Bernouin gave a
+discreet tap, which was answered by Mazarin.
+
+"M. de Lalande," announced the secretary, and at a sign from the
+Cardinal withdrew.
+
+Mazarin was writing, but, laying down his pen, he motioned me to a seat
+opposite him.
+
+"You have breakfasted, have you not?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, my Lord, thank you," I replied.
+
+He smiled affably, and was plainly in good humour--the result perhaps
+of his morning's work.  Suddenly this mood changed, the frown came back
+to his face, and he exclaimed sternly, "I had almost forgotten.  Why
+were you so long on your errand this morning?"
+
+"That is what I wished to speak of, your Eminence, but I am confident
+you will agree that I acted rightly."
+
+"I dislike putting the cart before the horse," said he; "the verdict
+should follow the evidence.  It will be better for you to relate the
+story first."
+
+Picking up his pen again, he sat twisting it between his fingers, but
+looking me straight in the face, and listening intently to every word.
+He did not once attempt to interrupt, but preserved his patience until
+the end.
+
+"Chut! my dear Martin," said he, when I had finished, just as if the
+astrologer were present; "we were mistaken.  This young provincial has
+eyes in his head after all.  M. de Lalande, not a word, not a syllable
+of this to any one.  Should you babble, the Bastille is not so full but
+that it can accommodate another tenant.  Now, let us go through the
+story again.  As you rightly observe, it is most interesting, quite
+like a romance.  These men were in the house; of that you are sure?"
+
+I bowed.
+
+"Very good.  And our friend Martin denied having seen them?"
+
+"He declared I was his first visitor this morning."
+
+"You did not press the point?"
+
+"Not at all, my Lord.  I considered it better to admit my mistake, and
+to allow the subject to drop."
+
+"In that you did well.  You are really learning fast, and I shall find
+you of service yet.  Now let us proceed.  You saw the two men again,
+but they did not come out of Martin's house.  Are you certain about
+that?"
+
+"I did not once remove my eyes from the door, and it was closed the
+whole time."
+
+"Then you cannot account for the reappearance of these visitors?"
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"If my explanation is correct, it throws a light on several queer
+things," said Mazarin smiling.  "However, that part of the business can
+stand over, I am not in a hurry at present.  Now as to these cloaked
+gentlemen!  Did you recognise them?"
+
+"Only my cousin Henri."
+
+"Ah, he is a clever fellow, a trifle too clever perhaps.  Now describe
+his companion to me again."
+
+"A little man, your Eminence, dark and ugly.  An ill-made, awkward,
+bow-legged fellow, looking the more ungainly because of his handsome
+apparel."
+
+"The description is not a flattering one!" laughed the Cardinal.  "This
+ugly little man of yours is no less a person than Jean Paul de Gondi,
+Abbe de Retz, Coadjutor of Paris, Archbishop of Corinth, a future
+Cardinal--so it is rumoured--and the man who is to fill Mazarin's
+office when that unworthy minister has lost his head."
+
+Dipping his pen in the ink, he wrote an order and handed it to me.
+
+"For M. Belloc," he said.  "In a few hours we shall discover what your
+information is worth, but, whatever the result, you have done your part
+well."
+
+Rising from the chair, I bowed and left the room, rather puffed up by
+the Cardinal's praise; but disappointed at not having learned the
+nature of the secret which I had unearthed.
+
+Was it possible that Martin had been playing a double game?  It
+appeared very much like it, and, according to all accounts, De Retz
+paid his servants in good money, while those who served the Cardinal
+were generally rewarded by empty promises.
+
+Finding Belloc, I handed him the paper, at which he glanced quickly,
+and exclaimed, "More work, my boy, and to be done at once.  The
+Cardinal's orders are all marked 'Immediate,'" and he went off with a
+good-humoured laugh.
+
+As there was nothing more to detain me at the Palace I returned to my
+rooms in the Rue des Catonnes, and, having made myself ready, sat down
+by the casement to watch for Raoul.  The street was very still and
+peaceful that evening, and, while waiting for my friend, my thoughts
+roamed over the incidents of the day.  As to my own discovery, it did
+not engage my attention long.  I had done my duty in warning Mazarin,
+and for the rest he must look to himself.
+
+One point, however, caused me a considerable amount of anxiety.  The
+Cardinal had spoken of Madame Coutance, and in no pleasant way.  I knew
+very little of the lady, but, as I have said, it vexed me that her
+niece's safety should be to some extent in the hands of such a
+hare-brained conspirator.
+
+"She will be doing an extra foolish thing some day," I said to myself,
+half asleep and half awake, "and the Cardinal will clap both her and
+Marie into the Bastille.  I must warn Raoul; he may have some influence
+over her."
+
+"Over whom?" exclaimed a merry voice, and, opening my eyes, I beheld
+Raoul himself standing close to me.
+
+"A good thing for you that the truce still holds," cried he gaily, "or
+I could easily have deprived Mazarin of a supporter."
+
+He laughed again quite merrily, and I laughed too; the idea of Raoul
+raising a hand against me seemed so ridiculous.
+
+"Sit down a minute," I said, "while I explain.  The affair is not a
+secret," and I repeated Mazarin't remarks to him.
+
+"You are right, Albert," he exclaimed gravely; "this is a serious
+matter, but unfortunately I can do nothing.  Madame Coutance grows more
+reckless every day, and at present is using all her influence to assist
+De Retz.  To-morrow perhaps she will join Conde's party, for any side
+opposed to Mazarin is good enough for her."
+
+"Does Marie side with her aunt?"
+
+"She cannot help herself, though she has no liking for intrigue.  But
+come, let us take a turn in the city; it will blow the cobwebs out of
+our brains."
+
+We had reached the Pont Neuf when a gaily dressed gallant, calling to
+Raoul, caused us to stop.
+
+"Armand!" exclaimed my comrade in surprise.  "I understood you had gone
+to the Louvre!"
+
+"Are you not ashamed to be caught plotting with a _Mazarin_?"
+
+"Ah!  I forgot that you knew M. de Lalande!"
+
+"Oh, yes," said I, "this gentleman and I are warm friends.  He shows me
+to my inn, comes to my rooms, and invites me to go with him on his
+parties of pleasure."
+
+Laughing lightheartedly, young D'Arcy took my arm.
+
+"You rascal!" he cried, "it is fortunate we are at peace, or I should
+have to run you through for the honour of the Fronde.  You made us the
+laughing-stock of Paris."
+
+I inquired if he had released the prisoner at the inn, on which he gave
+us such a comical account of the dwarf's unhappy plight that we could
+not keep from laughing aloud.
+
+"Who was he?" asked Raoul.
+
+"Pillot the dwarf, the trusty henchman of De Retz."
+
+"That is awkward for you," said Raoul turning to me.  "Pillot is a
+cunning rogue, and is now hand in glove with your cousin.  Really,
+Albert, you must take care of yourself, you have raised up a host of
+enemies already."
+
+"And the Italian cannot save you!" remarked D'Arcy, with a superior
+air; "his own downfall is at hand.  Alas, my poor friend, I pity you."
+
+We were still laughing at him when he suddenly exclaimed, "Ah, here is
+Lautrec.  Tell me, is he not a show picture?  I feel almost tempted to
+change sides, if only to deck myself out so gorgeously."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+The Cardinal takes an Evening Walk.
+
+D'Arcy's acquaintance was one of the _petits maitres_, as Conde's
+followers were called, and it was easy to see that he prided himself
+immensely on his fine clothes.  He was dressed in a coat of dark blue
+cloth covered with fine lace; his mantle was scarlet, and his silk
+stockings, ornamented with lace, were of the same colour.  He wore a
+black hat turned up _a la catalane_, and adorned by an enormous black
+feather, and his gloves were of a soft, gray buckskin.  His scabbard
+was picked out with various designs, and jewels shone in the hilt of
+the sword.
+
+"Lautrec, my friend, come here!" cried D'Arcy.  "_Ma foi!_ what an
+interesting group!  Raoul and I for the Duke; Lautrec for Conde, and M.
+de Lalande for Mazarin.  We only want a friend of De Retz to complete
+the party!"
+
+"What?" cried Lautrec, looking at me with a broad smile, "the hero of
+Scarron's poem?  The youngster from the country who tricked De Retz?
+M. de Lalande, I am delighted to meet you!"
+
+"We will go to Perret's, and Lautrec shall sing us the famous song
+which Scarron wrote on our attempt to abduct the Cardinal," cried
+D'Arcy.
+
+"But," said I in surprise, "it is not possible that the affair is
+openly talked about?"
+
+"Why not?  It is of the past.  Who cares for yesterday's thunderstorm,
+especially when it did no damage?  We are all brothers now."
+
+"But is it safe to introduce a _Mazarin_ at Perret's?" asked Raoul.
+
+"Have no fear," exclaimed Lautrec, "your young friend will be welcome;
+only we shall not tell him our secrets!" and he glanced roguishly at
+D'Arcy.
+
+It seemed rather odd to be on terms of friendship with Mazarin's
+enemies, but this was only one of the strange features of this strange
+period.  No one appeared able to remain serious long; a fight was
+followed by a banquet, and your opponent of the morning supped with you
+at night.
+
+Lautrec was correct in saying that no one would molest me at Perret's,
+which was a large meeting-room, where we found a score of men, all
+young or at least not more than on the threshold of middle age, and all
+richly dressed, though none so extravagantly as the _petit maitre_.
+
+"Messieurs," cried my new acquaintance, "we have brought you an
+illustrious visitor.  Behold the youth whom Scarron has immortalised!
+A _Mazarin_, but a prince of good fellows!" and he clapped me on the
+back.
+
+Had I been one of them they could not have received me in a more
+friendly manner, and in a very short time I was completely at my ease.
+
+"Let us have the song, Lautrec," said D'Arcy, "our friend has not heard
+it."
+
+"Yes, yes, the song!" cried the others, laughing, and Lautrec stood up
+to sing the famous song composed by the Abbe Scarron.
+
+The author had been made acquainted with the principal facts, but my
+wonder at this soon gave place to amusement.  Mazarin, De Retz, Henri,
+myself, and even poor Pillot, were covered with ridicule, and at each
+verse the merriment of the audience increased.
+
+It appeared that my cousin, in order to explain his absence from the
+expedition, had given out that his leg was injured by a fall, and when
+Lautrec reached that part the whole company screamed with delight.
+
+"Again Lautrec!  Let us have the verse again!  Oh the poor cousin
+Henri!  What a terrible misfortune!" they cried.
+
+As for me, I lay back in my chair, with the tears running down my
+cheeks, and Lautrec, beginning the verse again, the others took it up,
+roaring at the tops of their voices, a lament for my cousin's injury.
+
+In the very midst of the confusion Henri himself opened the door, and
+stood in amazement, staring at the mad scene.  Lautrec spied him
+immediately, and crying, "Ah, here is our dear cousin!" hobbled over to
+him on one leg, nursing the other and singing with all his might.
+D'Arcy, Raoul and the rest followed, and forming a ring danced round
+him like a pack of madmen.  I could not help laughing at their antics,
+and, to my surprise, Henri, instead of being angry, joined heartily in
+the fun.
+
+"Ah," he cried presently, spying me, "there is the rogue who caused all
+the mischief.  I' faith, Albert, I did myself an ill turn in advising
+you to come to Paris.  Well, it is done with now, but I warn you not to
+cross our path a second time."
+
+He spoke in a jesting tone, and laughed loudly, but the look in his
+eyes told more than his words, and I guessed that for all his play my
+cousin would show me but scant mercy.  Still, he was pleasant enough,
+and I passed a very agreeable hour in his company.
+
+Presently Raoul, who was on night duty at the Luxembourg, was obliged
+to leave, and I, bidding my new acquaintances adieu, accompanied him.
+
+"It is a pity you are not coming in," said he, half in jest, half in
+earnest, as we stopped at the gates; "we could have such pleasant times
+together."
+
+"With young D'Arcy for a third!" I laughed.  "No, no, Raoul; it looks
+tempting, but it wouldn't answer.  I am not much in love with Mazarin,
+but France is safer with him than with your friends.  Good-night.
+There is Peleton coming this way, and Maubranne with him."
+
+"And neither of them is your particular friend.  Shall I see you
+to-morrow evening if the truce lasts as long?"
+
+"That depends on the Cardinal.  If he doesn't require me I will be on
+the Pont Neuf at six, but don't stay after that time," and I walked off
+quickly, leaving Raoul to enter the courtyard of the palace a little
+before Peleton and the baron.
+
+The next day Mazarin was invisible to every one except his secretary,
+but in the afternoon a note bearing his seal was brought to me in my
+room.  Opening it hastily, I read the contents with a feeling of
+disappointment, as they did away altogether with any chance of a
+pleasant evening with Raoul.
+
+"You will attend me, well armed and cloaked, at seven o'clock this
+evening."
+
+"What is in the wind now?" I muttered.  "It seems that we have to go
+outside the Palace at all events.  Perhaps the adventure has something
+to do with my discovery at Martin's house.  I pity the astrologer if he
+has made an enemy of Mazarin."
+
+Serving the Cardinal had at least taught me the value of being
+punctual, and at seven o'clock precisely I presented myself at the door
+of his apartment.  The Cardinal was dressed like a simple citizen, but
+over his black mantle he had thrown a long gray cloak, with a portion
+of which he could muffle his face.  His first words filled me with
+surprise, and, for the moment, with alarm also.
+
+"So your cousin did not appear angry last night at the trick you played
+him?" he remarked in his broken French; "but you must be careful, I
+hear he is not over well pleased."
+
+"It seems to me that your Eminence hears everything," I replied
+bluntly, as soon as my feeling of surprise would allow me to speak.
+
+Putting on his hat, he said with a smile, "To-night, thanks to you, I
+am going to hear something interesting.  Evidently you were born under
+a lucky star, and I was fortunate in securing your services.  Take care
+of yourself, my friend, for according to the stars our fortunes are
+bound up together."
+
+It surprised me that so clever a man should believe that the stars had
+any influence over our lives, but I did not speak my thoughts, though
+likely enough he knew them, for he could read one's mind like a printed
+book.
+
+"Come," said he at length; "this way; it is not necessary to advise
+every one that the Cardinal is about to walk in the city."
+
+Raising the tapestry, he passed into a small corridor, where the
+faithful Bernouin awaited him.
+
+"Has Belloc made all his arrangements?" asked Mazarin.
+
+"Yes, your Eminence; everything is as you ordered."
+
+"That is well.  You will stay up till our return.  I am not likely to
+require more help, but--in case of accidents--here is a signed order
+for Ferre to turn out the Guards.  Do not use it, however, unless it is
+absolutely necessary."
+
+The secretary bowed, and Mazarin conducted me by a private staircase,
+the very existence of which was known only to a few people, to the
+courtyard of the Palace.
+
+"You do not ask where we are going," said he, as we walked along.
+
+"It is not my business, your Eminence," I answered, but I could not
+help reflecting that Mazarin did not know himself.  If the groups of
+citizens had guessed who my companion was, it is likely that his
+evening walk would have come to a sudden end.
+
+Now, I have heard Mazarin called a coward who would faint at the sight
+of blood, but those who said these things spoke without knowledge.
+Being a man of peace, he disliked bloodshed, but many a boasting
+gallant would have held back from dangers which the Cardinal faced
+without hesitation.
+
+On this eventful night he strolled quietly along, brushing shoulders
+with men who would gladly have slain him, and displaying no sign of
+nervousness.  At the corner of the Pont Neuf he actually stopped to
+listen to the conversation of some citizens who were holding a kind of
+open-air parliament, and settling the affairs of the kingdom to their
+liking.
+
+One fellow especially, dressed like a prosperous shopkeeper, was
+exceedingly loud in describing his plan to do away with the troubles,
+and I must admit that the first part of his remedy--the hanging of
+Mazarin--met with the hearty approval of the crowd.
+
+"A beggarly foreigner!" said one.
+
+"A miserable Italian priest!"
+
+"A grasping, covetous miser!"
+
+"He fancies that the French people were made for the purpose of keeping
+his nieces like princesses!"
+
+"Well, that is settled!" interrupted the first speaker.  "Then, after
+hanging Mazarin, I would put the Queen in a convent--she has done the
+country enough mischief."
+
+"That's a grand idea," exclaimed one of the group.  "How can a woman
+rule a country?  And, besides, Anne of Austria is only a foreigner!"
+
+I marvelled that Mazarin continued to listen to such stuff, especially
+as he was risking his life, but he seemed in no hurry to depart, and,
+indeed, craned his neck forward quite eagerly.
+
+"Next," continued the orator, "we shall require a new regent until the
+little King is able to take the reins into his own hands."
+
+"True," interrupted one of his listeners, "and who better than the Duke
+of Orleans?"
+
+"Pouf!  Gaston is no use!  He blows hot and cold with the same breath.
+He would send the Queen to a convent, and alter his mind while they
+were unlocking the gates.  No, my friends, we need a man with a strong
+arm and a stout heart; a leader whom the soldiers love; a general whom
+the Spaniards fear; a prince of the blood who would make France great,
+powerful, glorious; the hero of Locroi and Lens, the finest soldier in
+the world, the great Conde."
+
+The orator finished amidst an outburst of cheering, which was renewed
+again and again, till hundreds of people were shouting for Conde.
+
+"It is certain," said the Cardinal, turning to me, "that you bring me
+luck.  I will chance another turn of the wheel.  Go to that man and
+tell him the Duc de La Rochefoucauld says he has done splendidly, but
+that he must not bear so hard on Gaston.  Mind that you watch his face
+closely.  I will stay for you yonder in the shadow of the buttress."
+
+Why the Cardinal gave me this strange order I could not guess, but it
+was none of my business, so, taking the orator aside, I delivered the
+message word for word.  The man's eyes sparkled with joy; he begged me
+to thank the Duke, and to add that he would remember the hint
+concerning Gaston of Orleans.  More hopelessly perplexed than ever, I
+returned to Mazarin, and related what had passed, on which he smiled
+with a satisfied air, and hurried me away.
+
+"A clever rogue whose master should not begrudge him his wages!" he
+said with a quiet chuckle, "though he has made one grave mistake
+to-night.  But what extraordinary luck!  Surely my star must be in the
+ascendant!  Ah, Martin, my friend, one need not necessarily be an
+astrologer to foretell the future."
+
+From this speech I gathered two pieces of information.  First, that we
+were on our way to the astrologer's, and second that our visit was in
+some way mixed up with the knowledge I had already obtained.  The scene
+on the Pont Neuf I did not understand.  The Black Mantle who had
+stirred up the people on behalf of Conde could be no friend to Mazarin,
+yet the Cardinal had sent me to him with a most astounding message.
+Then again, every one knew that La Rochefoucauld was Conde's righthand
+man, but he was supposed to be far away from Paris.
+
+Ah!  That gave me a clue, and I looked at Mazarin in amazed wonder.
+How clever he was!  From a hint here and a word there he had discovered
+that a huge plot was on foot.  I did not know the truth till later, but
+it may as well be set down here.
+
+The Cardinal's enemies found they could accomplish nothing without
+Conde, but that prince and his brother were in prison.  After a great
+deal of talk it was decided that La Rochefoucauld should visit Paris
+and stir up the people to demand Conde's release.  The Black Mantle on
+the bridge was no ordinary citizen, but an agent paid by the prince's
+friends, and Mazarin by his mock message had gone right to the heart of
+the secret.
+
+This successful stroke had put him in the best of humours, and from
+time to time he laughed quietly to himself as if enjoying some rich
+joke.  Everywhere the crowd was cheering for Conde, and threatening to
+hang Mazarin, but my companion proceeded calmly on his journey.
+
+"Through the Rue Croquin," said he presently; "it may be quieter in
+that direction, and I wish to think."
+
+Unfortunately, about half-way along the street a mob of people, among
+whom were several Black Mantles, had gathered round a man who offered
+for sale copies of a song he was singing.  He was a sturdy knave with a
+deep voice, and he sang so lustily that it was impossible to avoid
+hearing every word.
+
+These songs poured continually from the printing-presses of the
+Frondeurs, who thought, and perhaps rightly, that an ink-bottle could
+work more harm than a cannon.  Many were witty and laughable, but this
+one was merely a string of vulgar abuse of the Queen-Mother.
+
+"_Peste_," said I, losing my temper, "these hawkers are becoming too
+impudent."
+
+"A _Mazarin_!" cried the man next to me.  "Down with the _Mazarin_!"
+
+"A fig for Mazarin!  He is a man and can defend himself, but Anne of
+Austria is not only a Queen but a woman.  I say shame on the Frenchmen
+who will let a woman be insulted."
+
+"Monsieur is right," exclaimed one of the Black Mantles quickly;
+"though I bear no good-will to Anne of Austria."
+
+The speaker who had thus interfered possessed a certain amount of
+influence; the crowd, instead of rushing forward, remained still; the
+mutterings died away, and some one, seizing the hawker's papers,
+trampled them in the mud, and shouted, "Down with Mazarin!  Live the
+Queen!"
+
+Others responded, and, pleased with the new cry, ran off yelling
+lustily, "Down with Mazarin!  Live the Queen!" while the miserable
+singer, a victim to the fickleness of popular favour, slunk away,
+muttering beneath his breath.
+
+I do not know how the Cardinal felt at being mixed up in such an
+adventure, but he behaved like a man of spirit, and stood close at my
+side throughout the whole affair.
+
+"_Ma foi!_" said he, as we moved on again, "you are not an over-prudent
+companion.  Suppose one of those fellows had plucked at my cloak?  I
+fancy both the Cardinal and his servant would have received but short
+shrift."
+
+"We should have died for the Queen, my Lord!"
+
+Mazarin shrugged his shoulders and answered drily, "I prefer my friends
+to live.  It is my _enemies_ who should get themselves killed.  But
+listen!" and from a distance came a tremendous roar of "Down with
+Mazarin!  Live the Queen!"
+
+"It is strange," muttered the Cardinal, "how these people will cheer
+for every one but me, yet I have done them more good than all the
+others put together.  But come, unless the stars play me false, these
+same folk shall raise my name as high as the rest."
+
+"Till the wind blows from a fresh quarter," I muttered, watching the
+hawker; and, indeed, it seemed to me that Mazarin, though a shrewd man,
+was striving for an empty honour.
+
+However, there was little leisure for thinking just then; we walked on
+rapidly, turning to the right at the end of the Rue Croquin, and made
+our way through several side streets which were nearly deserted.  After
+a long roundabout journey we approached the neighbourhood where Martin
+lived, when suddenly an officer whom I recognised as Roland Belloc
+stepped out from a hiding place.
+
+"Have you posted your soldiers?" asked Mazarin quietly.
+
+"Every avenue is guarded.  No one can enter or leave the street
+unchallenged."
+
+"The men are well out of sight?"
+
+"It would take your Eminence a long time to discover them!" replied the
+veteran warrior smiling.
+
+"That is well.  People who saw them might be curious.  There is nothing
+fresh going on yonder?" and he waved his hand in the direction of
+Martin's house.
+
+"No, except that we arrived just in time to see Pillot going away."
+
+"Did you secure him?"
+
+"No, my Lord; I had no orders to detain him."
+
+"Chut!" exclaimed Mazarin testily, "you should have acted without
+orders.  By the way, did you know that La Rochefoucauld is in Paris?
+The game grows very exciting," and he laughed softly at Belloc's
+astonishment.
+
+"We must strike at once," said the old soldier.
+
+"On the contrary, we will wait till the blow will do the most mischief.
+That is why I shall spare the good Martin--for a time.  Now I am going
+to pay my visit.  There is not much chance of danger, but if the
+unexpected happens, why, in that case, a Cardinal's life is worth more
+than that of an astrologer.  Eh? my trusty Belloc?"
+
+"Perhaps it will be as well for me to accompany you," said the soldier.
+"M. de Lalande, here, is a trusty fellow, but after all he is only a
+boy, and if----"
+
+"The danger, if there be any, will come from the outside," interrupted
+the Cardinal.  "Let your men keep strict watch, and we will take care
+of ourselves.  Come;" and while Belloc slipped into a doorway, we
+turned the corner and crossed to that side of the street on which the
+astrologer's house stood.
+
+Using his private signal Mazarin knocked boldly at the door; the window
+above us opened, and the servant, finding who his master's visitors
+were, hurried to let us in.  The bolts were hastily shot back, the bars
+lowered, and then the door was thrown open by the obsequious porter,
+who stood bowing almost to the ground.  Several lanterns suspended
+along the wall shed a dim light through the passage, and a second man,
+bearing another lantern, hastily came forward to conduct us.
+
+I could not help thinking as we stepped inside, how completely the
+astrologer held Mazarin in his power!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+The Plot is Discovered.
+
+"Is your master at home?" asked the Cardinal.
+
+"He is, my Lord," replied the man with a low bow; "but he is unwell,
+and has retired to rest."
+
+"Ah, my poor Martin, what a misfortune! but lead the way; he will
+doubtless make an effort to receive an old friend like myself."
+
+While one servant made the door fast, the other went forward with the
+lantern, and we followed; the Cardinal, a trifle uneasy, glancing
+keenly from side to side, as if half expecting to meet with some
+lurking enemy.  Everything, however, seemed as usual.  The lower part
+of the house was empty save for a woman cooking some savoury dish, and
+she took not the slightest notice of us.
+
+The fellow with the lantern opened the door of the astrologer's room,
+and, lighting several wax candles, requested us to be seated while he
+informed his master of our presence.
+
+As soon as he had gone, Mazarin ordered me to explore the part screened
+by the curtains, which I did, sword in hand.
+
+"These conspirators are so crafty," he murmured, "that they make one
+cautious even in the house of a friend like the worthy Martin."
+
+"The room is empty, your Eminence."
+
+"Ah," said he with a sigh of relief, "then we can look forward with an
+untroubled mind to meeting our kind host," and, laying aside his hat
+and cloak, he sat down.
+
+In a short time the astrologer entered the room.  He had put on
+dressing-gown and slippers, and was wearing his black skull-cap.  His
+face, always pale, had become white, there was a constant twitching at
+the corners of his mouth, and the gray eyes I had thought so calm and
+powerful, fell beneath the keen gaze of the Cardinal.  In spite of his
+treachery, I pitied the man, and almost found it in my heart to wish I
+had not observed my cousin and his companion enter the house.
+
+Mazarin, fondling his beard, smiled pleasantly, and begged his host in
+such soft cooing tones to be seated, that Martin threw off the
+half-alarmed expression his face had worn.
+
+"So you have been ill, my friend?  _Per Baccho_!  One can see it in
+your face.  Ah, now I can breathe more freely and laugh at my fears."
+
+I was standing between the table and the door, but in such a position
+as to be able to watch the old man's face.
+
+"Fears, my lord?" he murmured questioningly.
+
+"Yes, yes, I was foolish enough to doubt your--vigilance."
+
+He purposely made a long pause between the last two words, during which
+Martin sat like a man waiting to be hanged; then he recovered himself
+and actually smiled.
+
+"Something has happened without my knowledge," said he briskly.
+
+"Without your knowledge, truly, my dear Martin, or you would have sent
+me word.  As it is, I have to inform you that Paris has had a
+distinguished visitor."
+
+Martin went deathly pale again and murmured, "Surely it cannot be----"
+
+"Oh, no," interrupted Mazarin, smiling, "the Prince still occupies his
+prison at Havre.  But La Rochefoucauld is here to represent him.  If
+you go into the city you will hear the people crying for the release of
+Conde.  They are not aware how comfortable he is.  But you will not go!"
+
+"Why not, my lord?"
+
+"Because I have need of you.  We must put our heads together, and
+unravel the mysteries of this plot.  The matter is serious; all my
+enemies seem to be in league.  Come now, do you fancy De Retz has been
+bought?"
+
+I really felt sorry for the poor wretch with whom the Cardinal thus
+played as a cat plays with a mouse.
+
+"De Retz?" he stammered.  "I should think it very likely; the others
+could accomplish nothing without him, because he controls the mob."
+
+"It is very unfortunate.  You are aware he wishes to become a Cardinal,
+and now he will lose his chance.  The red hat would have suited him
+well, but I must give it to Riviere, the bosom friend of Orleans.  But
+perhaps even the Duke has been gained?  What do you think, my dear
+Martin?" and the purring cat suddenly became a hissing serpent.
+
+The unhappy astrologer bent his head.
+
+"They must have secured him," he gasped like a man choking.  "They
+would not dare to move without his support."
+
+"And the king of the markets?" asked Mazarin, who thus scornfully
+referred to the Duke of Beaufort.
+
+"He has powerful friends.  His help would be valuable if there really
+is a conspiracy."
+
+Leaning back in his chair, Mazarin stroked his beard thoughtfully.
+Presently he began to purr, a sure sign that he had regained his
+composure.
+
+"This union (which he pronounced _onion_) of parties is very touching,"
+said he, "yet in the interests of His Majesty it must be broken up,"
+and he looked so fixedly at Martin that the latter was compelled to
+meet his gaze.
+
+"How say you?" he continued, "would that little monkey of a priest rise
+to the bait of a Cardinal's hat?"
+
+"It is probable, my Lord!  That is, if the hat were a real one," at
+which Mazarin laughed loudly.
+
+"_Per Baccho!_" exclaimed he, "we would not attempt to deceive so
+skilful a plotter.  Then that is settled!  A cardinal's hat for De
+Retz, and you shall make him our offer.  But he must accept quickly; in
+twenty-four hours it will be too late.  I am sorry to drag you from
+your sick bed, but the King's interests are above all."
+
+"Come," thought I, "it promises to turn out not so badly.  Mazarin must
+be a good fellow in the main, to let the astrologer off so lightly."
+
+Martin, too, shared my satisfaction, especially when the Cardinal rose
+as if to depart.  But the play-acting was not yet finished.  I was
+moving towards the door when Mazarin suddenly sat down again.
+
+"I had almost forgotten," said he softly, "and yet it is very
+important.  I am about to set you a difficult task, my friend! no one
+else could do it, but then you are so wonderfully clever.  Sit down and
+write a list of all those likely to have joined in this plot--men and
+women--the powerful and the insignificant; do not leave out one.  And
+if you can make a guess what each has promised the other, put that in
+also.  It will be interesting to see if our guesses are alike."
+
+Still Martin did not break down, but his voice was very unsteady as he
+replied, "You over-rate my powers, my Lord, it would be impossible to
+do as you wish."
+
+"You may have some papers which will help you," said Mazarin quietly.
+"Look them over, my friend, I can wait."
+
+At that the wretched man's courage forsook him, and, realising that his
+treachery was discovered, he flung himself at Mazarin's feet, crying,
+"Pardon me, Monseigneur, and you shall be told everything, but I have
+not the papers."
+
+"Who has them?"
+
+"Madame Coutance!  She promised to obtain the signature of the King's
+uncle."
+
+"That woman mixes herself up in everything," exclaimed Mazarin,
+irritably, "and does more harm by her folly than De Retz can manage by
+his scheming.  She must be kept quiet for a month or two.  De Lalande,
+ask M. Belloc to station a carriage, six troopers, and a spare horse at
+the corner of the Rue Crillon, and to remain there till he receives
+fresh orders."
+
+I bowed, and leaving the room, hurried downstairs, where one of the men
+undid the fastenings of the door.
+
+"Do not replace the bar till my return," I said, "I shall be away a
+short time only."
+
+Belloc, who was watching from his hiding-place, perceived me
+immediately, and crossed the street.
+
+"What is it?" he asked anxiously.  "Has anything gone wrong?"
+
+"No," said I, and delivered Mazarin's message.
+
+"Rue Crillon?" he exclaimed.  "That is where Madame Coutance lives."
+
+"She is mixed up in the plot which Mazarin has discovered.  I am sorry
+for her niece."
+
+"Mazarin will do the maid no harm," exclaimed the old soldier.  "I have
+always found his bark worse than his bite.  Are you sure that he is
+quite safe yonder?"
+
+"Everything appears as usual."
+
+"Still, in case you are sent on another message, it will be as well
+that the Cardinal has some protection," and he gave a private signal
+which quickly brought two soldiers to our side.
+
+"You are under the orders of M. de Lalande," he exclaimed, and, leaving
+me to return to the house, hurried off.
+
+"Affairs go well," said the Cardinal briskly, as I entered the room,
+"and the credit is yours, M. de Lalande.  But for your sharp eyes I
+might have failed to get on the track of this conspiracy against the
+King.  There is one thing more for you to do.  Take this note to Madame
+Coutance in the Rue Crillon.  It is a request by our dear Martin that
+she will give up the papers relating to the plot.  You will pass them
+to M. Belloc with orders to bring them here at once."
+
+"Suppose the lady refuses to surrender them, my Lord?"
+
+"You will search her room, while this _lettre de cachet_ will secure
+her a lodging in the Bastille.  If, on the other hand, she has the good
+sense to yield quietly, you will simply escort her to her chateau.  The
+carriage will be in readiness."
+
+I told him of the soldiers stationed in the corridor, and once more
+left the house.  The night was growing late, and the streets, in spite
+of the _falots_ filled with burning pitch, and the dingy lamps
+suspended by chains passing from one side of the road to the other,
+were almost in darkness.
+
+But Paris was wide awake and unduly excited.  Swarms of people of the
+lowest class, unkempt, ragged, and frowsy, but all armed in some
+fashion, were prowling around intent on mischief, and cheering for De
+Retz.  Bands of Black Mantles, grave and preoccupied as became owners
+of property, guarded the shops, in dread equally of the _canaille_ and
+the nobles.
+
+These last swaggered about showing off their finery, singing noisily,
+and occasionally compelling the passers-by to cheer for Conde.  Now and
+again a coach, preceded by lackeys bearing flambeaux, would roll by,
+conveying ladies of distinction to or from some brilliant assembly.
+
+At the corner of the Rue Crillon I looked for M. Belloc, but some time
+passed before he appeared, and then I could see nothing of a carriage.
+
+"In the yard of the 'Plume of Feathers,'" said he, in answer to my
+question; "it would attract too much attention standing here.  Paris is
+in a turmoil to-night.  I do not like the signs.  The people are
+restless without knowing why, though there is some talk of Conde's
+returning."
+
+"The Cardinal has first to unlock the door," I replied, at which the
+old warrior smiled grimly, thinking such a proceeding on Mazarin's part
+very unlikely.
+
+"Why is the carriage required?" he asked.
+
+"To convey Madame Coutance either to the Bastille or to her own place
+at Aunay.  It is a troublesome business," and I explained just what my
+orders were.
+
+"Better get it over at once," he suggested, "it will be none the
+pleasanter for delay;" so, putting a bold face on the matter, I walked
+to the door of the house, and inquired for Madame Coutance.
+
+"She is not at home, monsieur," replied the porter.  "Both the ladies
+went out early this evening with Madame de Chevreuse."
+
+I put several further questions, but the porter was either a very
+stupid man or a very faithful servant--he knew nothing, and I had to
+retire baffled.
+
+"They will return soon," said my companion, when I rejoined him,
+"unless madame has received a hint of her danger."
+
+"That is hardly probable!  Even Mazarin had no suspicion until an hour
+ago.  But he will begin to wonder if anything has gone wrong."
+
+At the end of half an hour a carriage drew up before the door, and
+Marie and her aunt descended.  They stood for a moment on the top of
+the steps, and then, as the vehicle passed on, entered the house.
+
+Leaving our post of observation, we crossed the road, and the servant,
+showing us into an ante-room, went to announce my name.
+
+"Get it over quickly," whispered M. Belloc, as the man returned.  "Most
+likely there will be a few tears, but you must not mind those."
+
+I did not feel particularly happy as I followed the servant along the
+corridor.  The errand was far from my liking, and I would rather have
+stormed a breach; but, as I ate Mazarin's bread, it was my duty to obey
+his orders.
+
+The ladies were seated in a small but luxuriously appointed room, and
+Madame Coutance welcomed me with embarrassing warmth.
+
+"The hour is somewhat late," she said, "but I expect the Cardinal keeps
+your time fully occupied.  You do not favour us with much of your
+company."
+
+"I am very unwilling to be here now," I blurted out, not knowing what
+else to say.  "The fact is, I have come on an unwelcome errand," and,
+producing Martin's note, added, "that will explain the object of my
+visit."
+
+I scarcely dared glance at Marie, who remained very still while her
+aunt was reading.
+
+M. Belloc had warned me to expect a few tears, but, instead of weeping,
+Madame Coutance launched into an angry speech against Mazarin, whom she
+called a wicked and infamous man, and concluded by a blunt refusal to
+surrender any papers whatever.
+
+"But," I suggested feebly, being overwhelmed by her torrent of words,
+"you have no choice in the matter, madame.  Unless you give me this
+list of your own free will, my orders are to lodge you in the Bastille,
+and to search your rooms."
+
+"And if my aunt yields the papers?" asked Marie, who, I fancy, was
+rather alarmed at the mention of the Bastille.
+
+"In that case, mademoiselle, the affair ends with a trip to Aunay.  A
+carriage is outside, and in ten minutes we leave for one place or the
+other."
+
+"Come, _ma chere_," said the girl soothingly, "you must submit.  Life
+in the Bastille cannot be nearly as pleasant as at Aunay."
+
+Madame Coutance opened a desk which stood in a corner of the tiny room,
+and drew out a roll of paper.
+
+"There is what your master wants!" she exclaimed angrily, "but let him
+take care; it will be our turn soon."
+
+"Do you accompany us to Aunay?" asked Marie.
+
+"Yes, with an escort of troopers; for all the world as if you were two
+desperate prisoners.  I am really sorry, but perhaps you will object
+less to me than to some rough soldier."
+
+"Indeed we shall," she replied.  "When do we start?"
+
+"As soon as madame is ready," I answered.  "The Cardinal likes not
+delay."
+
+"In an hour then, though I do not care for travelling by night."
+
+"The carriage is roomy and comfortable; there is no danger, and perhaps
+you will be able to sleep on the journey."
+
+Bowing to the ladies, I rejoined Belloc, who was waiting impatiently in
+the ante-room.
+
+"Well?" he exclaimed.
+
+"It is all right.  Here is the paper, and we leave for Aunay in an
+hour.  I am not looking forward with any pleasure to the journey, I can
+assure you!"
+
+"You are obeying orders," said he, taking the paper.  "Now I must
+return to the Cardinal; and, by the by, take care of yourself!  The
+troopers will be sufficient protection against robbers, but, should you
+meet with any of Conde's friends, you may have to fight."
+
+"I hope not, at least until the ladies are safely disposed of."
+
+Wishing me good-bye, he walked away at a rapid pace, while I, glad of
+the chance to divert my thoughts, paid a visit to the inn.  The
+troopers, who were in charge of a grizzled sergeant, had dismounted,
+and were amusing themselves in a small room looking into the courtyard.
+The sergeant saluted, listened respectfully to my order, and
+accompanied me to inspect the carriage and horses.
+
+"Are we going far, monsieur?"
+
+"Two or three days' journey.  I hope you can depend on your men?  The
+ride may not be altogether a holiday jaunt."
+
+"I chose them myself, monsieur.  They would as soon fight as eat, and
+have all been in many a rough scrimmage."
+
+"They may be in another before long!" said I, remembering M. Belloc's
+words; and then, bidding him have all in readiness, I returned to the
+house, wishing that Mazarin had entrusted this particular commission to
+any but myself.
+
+Yet, after all, the Cardinal had acted very generously.  There was
+really no great hardship in being sent to one's country seat, and I
+suspected that Marie would rather enjoy the change.  As to her aunt,
+she would find it irksome, being a woman who could not live without
+excitement of some sort.
+
+Presently the carriage rumbled to the door, and jumping up, I hurried
+into the hall, nearly falling over the servants, who were carrying rugs
+and shawls and various packages to the main entrance.  When the parcels
+were stowed away, I stepped forward to assist the ladies into the
+coach, but Madame Coutance, who was still very sulky, haughtily
+declined my proffered help.  However, I saw them safely in, had the
+leathern coverings let down to exclude the night air, posted the
+troopers in front of the carriage, mounted the spare horse--a splendid
+animal by the way--and gave the word for the gate St. Denis.
+
+It was fortunate that the ladies had prevented an earlier start.
+Although late, numerous citizens were still abroad, and their curiosity
+made them troublesome.  Twice the troopers were compelled to clear a
+way for the coach by force, and, had the streets been more crowded, we
+should never have reached the gate.
+
+"Down with Mazarin!  To the lamp-post with the _Mazarins_!" yelled the
+people, but at sight of the grim sergeant and his stalwart troopers
+their courage oozed away.  These night-birds were mostly followers of
+De Retz, but occasionally we met with a swaggering young noble or two
+wearing the colours of the great Conde.
+
+At the gate we were stopped by the officer on duty, who refused to let
+us pass, quoting an order from the Duke of Orleans to prevent all
+persons from leaving the city.  Even after inspecting my papers, which
+were signed by the Queen, he hesitated, declaring the Duke's commands
+were strict.
+
+"As you please," said I, "only remember that Gaston of Orleans is not
+King yet, and you will be guilty of the crime of high treason.  Unless
+the gates are opened within five minutes, I shall return to the Palais
+Royal."
+
+The officer was a brave man, and had he served any other master would
+doubtless have stood his ground, but no one could depend on Gaston.  As
+likely as not, if any trouble arose, the Duke would throw over his own
+servant, and expose him to the vengeance of Mazarin.
+
+"Come," I said, when half the time had passed, "which is it to be?
+Will you take your orders from the Queen or from the Duke?"
+
+At the last minute, though still grumbling, he permitted us to continue
+the journey, and the coach passed outside the city walls.  For several
+miles we rode forward slowly, till the dawn of another day began to
+appear in the sky; then we quickened the pace, as I was anxious to get
+as far away from Paris as possible.  It was scarcely likely that any
+one would attempt a rescue, but so many foolish things were done in
+those days that I did not feel at all secure.
+
+The road along which we travelled was lonely and deserted, the country
+looked very desolate, and even after the sun had risen there were few
+people to be observed abroad.  At that time I did not know what I
+afterwards learned, that our route lay through a district which had
+been swept bare again and again by the horrors of war.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+I Meet with an Exciting Adventure.
+
+About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt,
+and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment,
+proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her
+niece into the best room of the house.  The arrival of such a large
+party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled
+about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough
+but abundant meal.
+
+Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to
+intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me
+that they desired to see me.  Accordingly, after speaking a word to the
+sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
+
+Madame Coutance, who shortly before had sulked like a spoiled child,
+had now regained her good humour, and received me with smiles.
+
+"Come, Sir Gaoler, it is not polite to keep your guests waiting," she
+exclaimed, and I excused myself on the ground of being uncertain
+whether my presence would be agreeable.
+
+"Certainly! we require you as a taster.  The Duke of Beaufort was
+allowed one at Vincennes, and you would not count him of more
+consequence than two ladies?"
+
+"I' faith!" I exclaimed, glancing at the viands, "if I am to play that
+part, there will be little for those who come after me.  The night's
+ride has given me a wolf's appetite!"
+
+"In that case," said Marie laughing, "we will be our own tasters.  Sit
+down, Albert, and let us begin."
+
+For some reason best known to herself, or perhaps for no reason at all,
+Madame Coutance had become reconciled to the situation.  I was received
+into favour again.  We laughed and joked merrily, and resumed the
+journey in the best of good humour.  The leathern coverings were
+fastened back, and I rode beside the open carriage more as an attendant
+cavalier than as the officer of an escort.  This was far more agreeable
+to me, though I found it rather awkward to answer some of the questions
+which madame asked concerning the Cardinal.
+
+"It is a pity the plot was discovered," she said; "in a day or two at
+the outside Mazarin would have been lost."
+
+"Conde is still in prison," I remarked meaningly.
+
+"He will soon be free.  The people are rising, and Mazarin will not
+dare to keep him in captivity.  Ah, my friend, the tables will be
+turned then!"
+
+"I wish these useless squabbles were at an end," said Marie.
+
+"Have patience, child," exclaimed her aunt, "all will come right in
+time," and, turning to me, she added, "how long am I expected to remain
+at Aunay?"
+
+"The Cardinal mentioned a month or two."
+
+"Good faith!" she exclaimed with a toss of her head, "the Cardinal will
+be over the borders before then!"
+
+"It may be so," I admitted, not anxious to dispute the point.
+
+We were still several miles from Aunay, when the sergeant, who rode
+with two men in the rear, trotted forward briskly, and reining up my
+horse, I waited for the soldier to speak.
+
+"Are we likely to be pursued, monsieur?" asked he.
+
+"It is just possible.  Why?"
+
+"Because there are a score of horsemen on our track.  Pierre, who has
+keen sight, declares they are cavaliers, young bloods most likely, from
+Paris."
+
+In a few minutes they came within sight, and, as they approached more
+closely, I recognised that Pierre's description was correct.  They
+certainly were not ordinary soldiers, and the only doubt remaining was
+whether they were friends or foes.
+
+The grizzled sergeant decided the question for me.
+
+"Frondeurs, monsieur," he announced with the utmost coolness.
+
+"Then they intend to rescue our prisoners.  Can we throw them off?"
+
+"We can try, monsieur, but they will probably overtake us in ten
+minutes."
+
+"Then we must fight, though the odds are terribly against us."
+
+"As monsieur pleases; we have only to obey orders," and without another
+word he recalled the soldiers who were in advance.
+
+"What is it?" cried Madame Coutance, excitedly, as I returned to the
+carriage, "what has happened?"
+
+"Nothing as yet," I answered smiling; "but some of your party have
+followed us from Paris.  For what purpose I leave you to guess."
+
+She clapped her hands and laughed like a child; it just suited her to
+be the central figure in any kind of adventure.
+
+"A rescue!" she cried.  "Marie, do you hear?  Our brave cavaliers think
+we are being dragged to prison, and have come to rescue us.  Ah, the
+fine fellows!  How vexed Mazarin will be!  Perhaps he imagined I had no
+friends!"
+
+"Their folly can only do harm, madame," I replied.
+
+"Chut! what absurdity!  It is a rich joke, and Scarron shall make a
+song about it.  How they will laugh when I explain that we are going to
+Aunay and not to prison!"
+
+During this conversation Marie, had remained silent, but now in a low
+voice she asked, "Are there many, Albert?"
+
+"A score, perhaps," I replied; "but do not be alarmed.  As your aunt
+says, they will probably regard the venture as a rich joke.  Now I must
+go to my men," and I ordered the coachman to drive on rapidly.
+
+The six troopers rode three abreast behind the coach, which rattled
+along swiftly, while the sergeant and I followed.  Each instant brought
+our pursuers nearer, and it soon became evident that they were able to
+ride us down.
+
+"Pardon, monsieur," said the sergeant, "but if there is to be a fight
+we had better get it over.  At present we are only spoiling our horses."
+
+"True," I replied, and called on the troopers to halt.
+
+The cavaliers were advancing at a gallop.  Foremost of the throng rode
+my cousin Henri and Baron Maubranne, while close in their rear pressed
+Peleton, and half a dozen horsemen with whose features I was
+unacquainted.  Behind these again came several men whom I had met at
+Perret's--Armand d'Arcy, Lautrec, and finally, Raoul.
+
+The sword trembled in my hand, and my heart sank on recognising Raoul.
+How could I fight against the staunch comrade who had always been
+dearer to me than a brother?  It was impossible.  For the sake of our
+friendship I must endeavour to avert a struggle.
+
+The Frondeurs, I gladly believe, would have listened to reason but for
+Peleton and Baron Maubranne, who, with raised swords, rushed at me,
+yelling "Down with the _Mazarin_!"
+
+In self-defence I was compelled to parry their blows, and Peleton,
+lunging rather wildly, received the point of my sword in his chest.  At
+this the cavaliers, headed by Maubranne, charged us in a body, but my
+troopers withstood the shock manfully, and the baron rolled to the
+ground.
+
+At the first clash of swords all thoughts of peace took wing; the
+intoxication of the fight got into our blood, and made us reckless.
+Spurring into the throng, I called on my men, who attacked with such
+zest that the cavaliers began to give way.
+
+Henri, however, quickly rallied them; the fight was renewed with
+increased fury, and the air was filled with the clatter of steel and
+the shouts of the combatants.
+
+[Illustration: "The air was filled with the clatter of steel."]
+
+The old sergeant had not praised his men without cause.  They were
+seasoned soldiers, hard and tough as iron, and without the least sense
+of fear.  Fighting was their trade, and they were masters of the craft.
+
+As for myself, I could ride, and handle a sword, but this was my first
+experience of a fight.  I forgot the lessons in sword-play my father
+had taught me, and struck out wildly, hitting right and left.  I saw
+D'Arcy's smiling face go down before me, felt Lautrec's sword pierce my
+arm, and then came directly in front of Raoul.
+
+As it chanced I was able to stay my hand at the very moment of
+striking, but Raoul, poor lad, had not the same good fortune, and, just
+as I lowered my weapon, his sword passed through my body.  I am an old
+man now, but I can still see the look of horror on his face, and hear
+his cry of anguish.  I remember smiling at him feebly and trying to
+speak; then the fading daylight vanished, and with the darkness came
+unconsciousness.
+
+The next thing I can remember was Raoul asking some one if I should
+die.  Not being able to see him I stretched out my hand, and he,
+bending over me, spoke my name softly.
+
+"My men?" I whispered faintly.
+
+"They are all living!  Do you know who I am?"
+
+"Yes.  Raoul."
+
+"If you do not go away, M. Beauchamp, you will kill my patient."
+
+This was said in a voice soft and sweet as a child's, and I concluded
+the speaker was a doctor.  Raoul made some reply, but I could not
+understand his words, and gradually my sense of hearing failed
+altogether.  For weeks I lay hovering between life and death, and when
+at length I was able to look about me and realise something of what
+went on, I was painfully weak and helpless.
+
+Thrice every day there came into my room a tall, grave, white-bearded
+man, who sometimes smiled kindly, but more often shook his head in a
+sorrowful manner.  And always, throughout the day and night, there sat
+by my bedside a grief-stricken youth who tended me with the utmost
+care.  This youth, so sad and melancholy, was Raoul, but Raoul so
+altered as to be scarcely recognisable.  For hours he would sit
+motionless as a statue, then, rising gently, he would give me the
+medicine according to the doctor's orders, or smooth the tumbled pillow
+which I was helpless to re-arrange for myself.
+
+One morning, waking after a long sleep, I felt considerably better.  My
+comrade sat as usual beside the bed, but, wearied by the night watch,
+his head had sunk on his breast, and he had fallen asleep.  I half
+turned to look at him more closely, but at the first movement he
+started up wide awake.
+
+"Raoul!" I whispered.
+
+"Albert!"
+
+"It is all right, old friend; I shall get on now."
+
+Grasping my hand, which lay outside the coverlet, he pressed it gently,
+and, kneeling down, gave thanks to God for this first step in my
+recovery.
+
+"Amen to that," said I.  "And now, my dear Raoul, tell me the news.
+Remember that I am ignorant of everything."
+
+"First let me hear you say that you forgive me."
+
+"Forgive you, old comrade?  _Peste!_ there is nothing to forgive.  Is
+it your fault that I am the less skilful hand with the sword?"
+
+"That is nonsense," he replied slowly.  "You could have killed me, but
+you refused to strike."
+
+"Friendship stayed my arm in time."
+
+"But not mine!"
+
+"Then after all I am the more skilful swordsman!"
+
+"I nearly killed you," he said, and his lip quivered.
+
+"But not quite.  Let us forget all about it."
+
+From that morning I began to regain strength, and could soon converse
+with Raoul without fatigue.  From him I learned that the safety of the
+troopers was due to Marie, who, leaving the carriage, and running to
+the scene of the fight, had called upon the Frondeurs to sheathe their
+swords.
+
+"Two of your men were wounded, though not seriously," said Raoul;
+"young D'Arcy received a nasty cut; Maubranne was picked up insensible,
+and Peleton will not forget you for some time."
+
+"But for him and Maubranne, there need not have been a fight."
+
+"They have a spite against you, and will make mischief if they can."
+
+"Never mind them.  What became of the escort?"
+
+"The wounded men were taken to the inn; the others returned to Paris.
+Madame Coutance insisted on your being brought to Aunay, and here you
+have remained ever since."
+
+"Then really," I said, when Raoul gave me this information, "you have
+all done your best to fulfil Mazarin's orders!"
+
+"It was a mistake.  We believed the ladies were to be imprisoned at
+Reuil, and, besides, it was possible that Madame Coutance had
+possession of a valuable document."
+
+"You should have searched the Palais Royal for that," I remarked with a
+laugh.
+
+"You have spoiled our scheme for a time.  Your cousin did the Fronde an
+ill turn when he advised you to go to Paris; you have proved a thorn in
+our side from the very first day."
+
+I asked after D'Arcy, and found that he had returned with his friends
+to the capital, where new and startling plots were being hatched.
+
+"Without a doubt we shall crush the Cardinal this time," exclaimed my
+comrade, whose good spirits revived with my increasing strength.  "He
+will miss his trusty henchman, and there is really no one of importance
+on his side."
+
+"Then De Retz has not received his red hat?"
+
+"No!  Mazarin played him a fine trick over that, and set all Paris
+laughing for weeks.  The little abbe is desperately angry, and intends
+taking ample vengeance."
+
+"How Marie's aunt must wish she were back in the Rue Crillon!"
+
+"She has vowed not to leave Aunay till you have recovered.  The doctor
+declares you owe your life to her and Marie, who nursed you during the
+first fortnight.  By the way, your doublet was spoiled; so I sent for
+another; you shall put it on in the morning."
+
+"To go downstairs?'
+
+"If you can persuade the doctor to grant you permission.  And now try
+to sleep, or you will be ill again."
+
+The doctor appeared rather reluctant next morning to give his consent,
+but I begged so hard that at last he yielded, and Raoul helped me to
+dress.  Then, leaning on the arm of my comrade, and partly supported by
+the medical man, I made my way to the drawing-room, where the ladies
+gave me a hearty welcome.  The disagreeable part I had played in
+carrying out Mazarin's orders was forgotten; Madame Coutance could talk
+only about the fight, and her niece about my wounds.
+
+"Between you all," I said, "you have saved my life."
+
+"Next to God you have the doctor and Raoul to thank," remarked Marie.
+
+"Raoul certainly," exclaimed her aunt laughing.  "But for his sword-cut
+in the first place we could not have nursed you at all."
+
+"It was, indeed, very kind of you," I replied, ignoring the first part
+of her speech, "especially as I am in the pay of the hated Mazarin."
+
+"That is nothing, absolutely nothing.  We are winning, and can afford
+to be generous.  The Cardinal stands on the edge of a mine which will
+shortly explode.  De Retz and your cousin Henri have made things
+certain this time; there will be no more mistakes."
+
+There was something in her speech and manner which made me wonder why
+she was so bitter against the Cardinal.  My recent adventures had
+taught me valuable lessons, and I knew that many of those who talked so
+loudly of liberty and justice had their own private schemes to advance
+at the expense of the public welfare; and I was half-inclined to think
+that Marie's aunt was a Frondeuse of this description.  However, she
+was very kind to me, and I still look back on those early days of my
+recovery with a certain amount of pleasure.
+
+From the date of my leaving home I had lived at high pressure, in a
+maze of intrigue and strife.  My wits, such as they were, had ever been
+employed; my life had been in danger a score of times.  The calm which
+followed this incessant scheming and fighting was delicious, and I did
+not feel very sorry that Raoul had given me a dig with his sword.
+
+Though sorely needed by his patron, he refused to leave Aunay as long
+as I was in the slightest danger; the ladies treated me like a brother,
+while the doctor spared neither time nor trouble to bring about the
+restoration of my health.  It was new to me to be thus petted, and I
+thoroughly enjoyed it.
+
+Madame would not hear of my going home.
+
+"That would be a fine thing indeed!" she exclaimed banteringly.  "I
+mean to claim the credit of your recovery.  But as soon as your
+strength returns you shall write, and I will provide a messenger to
+deliver your letter."
+
+"My mother will be anxious," I said.  "No doubt Belloc has told her
+something of what has happened."
+
+"Make yourself easy on that head," exclaimed Raoul.  "I thought of
+that, and sent D'Arcy to caution him.  He will only mention that you
+have met with a slight accident."
+
+This was very thoughtful as well as kind of my comrade, and I thanked
+him heartily.
+
+Three weeks after my first coming downstairs, he took his departure for
+the capital.  His patron had already sent him several urgent messages,
+and now that the doctor had pronounced me out of danger he felt it his
+duty to go.
+
+"We are nearing the end," said he; "and the Duke has need of all his
+friends.  Mazarin may make a desperate effort, but I prophesy that by
+the time you are well he will be dead or banished."
+
+"In either case Paris will be no place for me, and I shall return to
+the farm."
+
+"Not at all," he answered earnestly.  "I shall speak to the Duke, and
+he will take you into his service."
+
+Unwilling to vex him, I let the subject drop, though not having the
+slightest intention of joining the Cardinal's enemies.  So I hobbled
+into the courtyard to witness his departure, and echoed his farewell,
+"Till we meet again," as he passed through the gateway.
+
+At first I missed him a great deal, but each succeeding day increased
+my strength; I was able to walk alone, and altogether felt very
+comfortable.  Either by myself or accompanied by the ladies I took the
+air on the terrace, or, wandering through the charming grounds,
+strolled by the margin of the silvery stream skirting the chateau.
+
+The bitter strife of clashing interests, the tumult and horrors of the
+capital, did not extend to this peaceful spot; it might have been the
+heart of another country.  The peasants were courteous and respectful,
+toiling patiently like oxen in yoke.  As yet they had not learned their
+power, and the noble was still a master to be obeyed without murmur or
+complaint.  Much to her aunt's annoyance, Marie went among them,
+smiling pleasantly, speaking kind words, bearing help to the
+distressed, soothing the sick, and treating them all, in fact, like
+human beings.  At Aunay she was really happy, and her face wore an
+expression of content which one never saw in Paris.
+
+"I could wish to live in the country always," she remarked once, "it is
+so peaceful after noisy, brawling Paris."
+
+So the days glided by till there came to us in the chateau strange
+echoes of the outside world.  The wildest rumours were repeated by the
+gentry of the neighbouring estates.  One day we heard Conde was
+marching on Paris with ten thousand soldiers; the next that he had been
+poisoned in his cell at Havre.  Some asserted that Mazarin, having made
+peace with De Retz, had triumphed over all his enemies, others that
+Orleans had hanged the Cardinal out of hand.
+
+These tales agitated Madame Coutance, and I knew she longed to be back
+in the midst of the storm.  While I remained at Aunay this was
+impossible, but, in spite of her desire, she would not let me depart.
+
+"You will become a vegetable at Vancey," she said, "and I want to push
+your fortunes.  Mazarin must soon be beaten, and you shall join the
+great prince.  I have influence with him, and will use it."
+
+Thanking her warmly, I pointed out that, having pledged my word to
+Mazarin, I could not accept the prince's favours.
+
+"Bah!" she exclaimed, "no one can help a fallen favourite!"
+
+"Then there is the Queen-Mother; I cannot range myself among her
+enemies."
+
+"You are very simple," said madame smiling.  "Anne of Austria has no
+enemies; we all bow to her and the little King.  Conde is her chief
+friend," and with that she went away, leaving me to think over the
+matter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+Pillot to the Rescue.
+
+Every day now the rumour of Mazarin's defeat grew louder, but, knowing
+the man well, I doubted if all France could disturb his position.  And
+though I felt little personal liking for the Cardinal, it seemed to me
+that the country was safer in his hands than it would be in the hands
+of those opposed to him.
+
+De Retz, a noisy brawler, stirred up the mob in his own interests;
+Gaston of Orleans, unstable as water, was a mere shuttle-cock tossed to
+and fro by any strong man who chose to make use of him; Conde, though a
+brave and skilful general, already grasped more power than a subject
+should possess.  Between them they had turned Paris into a hot-bed of
+rebellion and discontent.
+
+I was musing over these things one evening when a horseman came at
+walking pace into the courtyard of the chateau.  The animal appeared
+tired out, and the man himself was covered with dust and dirt.
+
+"A special messenger from Paris," I muttered, and, going forward,
+recognised Pillot, whom I had treated so scurvily at the inn.
+
+The little man displayed no malice, but his eyes twinkled as he slipped
+from the back of his exhausted horse.
+
+"You have ridden fast," I remarked, and, calling a servant, ordered him
+to give the animal a good feed and a rub down.
+
+"Thanks, monsieur, he deserves it.  A plague on these troublesome
+journeys.  Why do people live outside Paris, I wonder?"
+
+Laughing at the question, I inquired if he had come to see me.
+
+"No, monsieur; this is an unexpected pleasure," and he showed his teeth
+in a broad grin.  "I have brought a letter certainly, but this time
+there can be no mistake, as it is for a lady."
+
+"If it is for Madame Coutance, you had better come to the house."
+
+Madame had just returned from riding with Marie, but she at once
+received the messenger, and then sent him to obtain some much-needed
+refreshment.  Breaking the seal, she read the letter hurriedly, with
+flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes.
+
+"It is from Henri!" she exclaimed, excitedly, "and contains startling
+news.  The old fox is beaten at last!  De Retz has declared for Conde,
+who will soon take the reins into his own hands."
+
+"Is Gaston left out in the cold?"
+
+"_Pouf!_  Henri doesn't even mention him; he is only a puppet."
+
+"But he has a strong party!"
+
+"Young scatter-brains like Raoul Beauchamp and Armand d'Arcy!  Nice
+boys, but nothing more.  Marie, we must go to the court to congratulate
+the Queen on her freedom."
+
+"Or rather on her change of masters!" laughed the girl.
+
+Later in the evening I went to find Pillot.  Having eaten and drunk
+well, Henri's messenger was in a good temper, and willing to inform me
+of the most recent events.
+
+"It is time to make a fresh move, monsieur," he said mockingly.  "With
+so many brave Frenchmen to lead us we have no need of a beggarly
+foreigner.  The first step was to join our forces, which made us so
+strong that Mazarin fled.  By now, no doubt, Conde is out of prison."
+
+"Then you are all friends together!  How long will that last?"
+
+"How long, monsieur?  What a question!"
+
+"Till you come to divide the spoils, I suppose?"
+
+Pillot's eyes twinkled, and he answered roguishly, "Monsieur has
+learned the ways of the world.  It is true thieves often quarrel over
+their booty, but on the other hand they do not share it with their
+victim's friends."
+
+"What does that mean?"
+
+"Simply that Paris at present is not a suitable place for a _Mazarin_.
+While dogs are growling over a bone, they are apt to snap at a
+passer-by."
+
+"One should wait till they have turned to fighting among themselves," I
+remarked.
+
+"If one has the patience, monsieur!"
+
+"Oh, the quarrel soon begins.  In less than a month's time you will be
+flying at each other's throats, and Mazarin will return with more power
+than ever."
+
+"You are mistaken there, monsieur.  Whatever else happens, we have
+finished with the Italian.  Were he to set foot in Paris again, the
+people would tear him limb from limb."
+
+"I suppose De Retz pays you well for your services?"
+
+"I have little to do with the Abbe now," he said.  "I am in the service
+of monsieur's cousin, and a man could have no better master."
+
+That night when the household had retired to rest, I sat at my bedroom
+window looking out over the park.  It was a beautiful scene; everything
+was hushed and still, and the quiet earth lay bathed in silvery
+moonlight.  Pillot's talk had set me thinking.  My wound had completely
+healed, and I felt strong enough to take a further part in the
+struggle.  The situation was, however, puzzling.  Mazarin's downfall
+had left me without a patron, and I could not join his enemies, most of
+whom, utterly and heartlessly selfish, cared for nothing but their own
+welfare.  Their senseless squabbles were dragging France through the
+mire, and I longed to see my country strong and powerful.
+
+From the dwarf's remarks I gathered that Conde intended going to Paris
+as the Queen's friend, but this could be nothing more than play-acting
+of the flimsiest character.  It was as if a housebreaker took it upon
+himself to protect the building he had just robbed.
+
+Reflecting calmly on these matters, I saw my duty plain.  The Lady Anne
+was the natural guardian of the young King, and she required the aid of
+every honest Frenchman till her son became of an age to rule for
+himself.  Reasoning thus, I resolved to set out straightway for Paris,
+and, having made up my mind, I closed the window and went to bed.
+
+As soon as Madame Coutance heard of my intention she urged me to stay
+longer, but the look of relief in her eyes showed she was really
+pleased at my resolve.  The country wearied her; she was eager to
+return to the old life, and after my departure there would be no
+necessity for her to remain at Aunay.
+
+"We must make the most of Albert to-day, _ma chere_," she exclaimed
+brightly.  "The house will be positively gloomy without him."
+
+"When do you start?" asked Marie.
+
+"To-morrow at day-break.  I am strong enough now to use a sword, and
+the Queen-Mother has not too many friends around her."
+
+Marie sighed.  "I am tired of a contest in which selfishness plays so
+large a part," she remarked.
+
+"Yet it is distinctly droll," observed her aunt.  "For example, here is
+Albert, anxious to serve the Queen, while his cousin does his best for
+De Retz.  On the other hand I wish to help the prince, while our friend
+Raoul takes orders from the King's uncle.  Oh, it is a charming play!"
+
+"Meanwhile the people die of starvation!" said Marie.
+
+"That is unfortunate, certainly.  But what would you?  There must
+always be some to suffer."
+
+"It is the people now; it will be the turn of the nobles later.  The
+peasants won't always stand being ground down and starved," I said.
+
+"Chut! my dear Albert, you talk like a carter.  What have the people to
+do with us beyond cultivating our land?  You should join De Retz, who
+intends doing so much for the _canaille_ in the future."
+
+"The very distant future," I said drily, and she laughed.
+
+Personally she cared no more for the people than for the oxen on her
+estate, and said so openly.
+
+During the afternoon I went for a turn in the park with Marie, when,
+strolling as far as the rivulet, we sat for a while on its bank.  It
+was good to drink in the calm beauty of this scene, so utterly
+different from any Paris could offer; and the memory of it returned to
+me long afterwards, when, faint with hunger, and weary with fighting, I
+lay amid the dead and dying on a stricken battle-field.  In the
+lengthening shadows we returned to the house, little dreaming what
+strange events would happen before we next wandered together in the
+park at Aunay.
+
+It was not a cheerful evening, though madame laughed and said many
+smart things, in her brilliant way, to raise our spirits.  At length
+she rose to retire to her own room.
+
+"I will not say 'good-bye,'" she exclaimed saucily, "as we are certain
+to meet again.  If you act on my advice it will be in the palace of
+Conde.  The prince loves a lad of mettle."
+
+"Albert must consult his own honour," said Marie.
+
+"And ruin his prospects for an empty whim!  Don't listen to her,
+Albert, and above all things, don't let Mazarin drag you down.  Keep
+constantly in your mind that he has had his day, and will never return
+to power.  Last of all, remember you are always welcome in the Rue
+Crillon, whether fortune treat you well or ill."
+
+When they had gone I sent for Pillot, who was still in the house.  Food
+and rest had performed wonders for the little man, who looked as jaunty
+and self-possessed as ever.
+
+"Has your horse recovered?" I asked.
+
+"Perfectly, monsieur."
+
+"I am starting for the capital at day-break.  If you care to ride with
+me, I shall be glad of your company."
+
+"Monsieur honours me!" said he, making a bow.
+
+"Then tell the servants to prepare you an early breakfast, and join me
+in the courtyard at seven."
+
+"I shall be there, monsieur," and the rascal tripped off smiling, while
+I, taking a candle, went to bed, hoping to obtain a good night's rest.
+
+It was a glorious morning when we left Aunay, and Etienne, an old
+retainer on the estate, came to the gate to wish us God-speed.
+
+"Give my respects to your mistress and to Mademoiselle de Brione," I
+said as we rode away.
+
+The air was fresh and cool; dew-drops gemmed the earth's green carpet,
+and hung like pendants of brilliants from the leaves of the trees;
+hundreds of songsters poured forth delicious hymns of praise to the
+opening day; the rising sun tinted the distant peaks with purple and
+gold; the whole earth seemed like fairy-land.
+
+Shaking his handsome mane, my horse, of his own accord, broke into a
+canter, while I, almost involuntarily, trolled forth a well-known
+hunting song.
+
+Pillot, who rode at my side, was a merry companion, full of quips, and
+jests, and odd conceits, which lightened the tedium of the journey.
+The fellow was undoubtedly a rogue of the first water, but he possessed
+many amiable traits, and had a fine sense of humour.
+
+Not being in a particular hurry, and still feeling the effects of my
+recent illness, I resolved to stay for the night at Aviers, a village
+about thirty miles from Aunay.  The inn was dirty, the accommodation
+meagre, and the landlord a surly boor, who behaved as if we had done
+him a grievous injury by stopping at his house.  After providing a feed
+for the horses, his resources appeared to be exhausted, and, but for
+Pillot, I should doubtless have gone to bed without supper.  He,
+however, had a keen appetite, and meant to satisfy it.
+
+"Stay here, monsieur," said he, cheerfully; "if there is anything
+eatable in the place we will soon have it on the table.  _Peste!_
+things are coming to a fine pass when a gentleman cannot be served with
+food at an inn!"
+
+He skipped away, and I heard him storming at our host in a high-pitched
+voice, threatening all manner of penalties unless supper was
+immediately forthcoming.  Precisely what arguments he used I cannot
+say, but presently he returned in triumph with the surly innkeeper,
+carrying bread, butter, cheese, poached eggs, and a bottle of wine.
+
+"There is a fowl cooking on the spit," said he, "but I thought that,
+meanwhile, monsieur would not object to begin with this."
+
+He was right, I made no objections whatever, and, having finished the
+first course, was equally ready to proceed with the second.  The fowl
+was done to a turn, and when at length the innkeeper came to clear
+away, he looked aghast at the wreck of his provisions.
+
+"An excellent supper, Pillot!" I exclaimed contentedly.  "I have no
+doubt that my cousin finds your services valuable."
+
+"We all have our gifts," he replied laughing, "and the wise folk are
+those who know how to make use of them.  But a word in your ear,
+monsieur.  To-night it will be as well to sleep lightly.  These
+villagers are hangdog looking fellows, and if they fancy we are worth
+plundering, why----" and he finished with a most comical shrug of the
+shoulders.
+
+"It is a queer world, Pillot," I remarked.  "Here at Aviers you do your
+best to keep me from harm; in Paris most likely you will be doing all
+in your power to kill me."
+
+"Only in the way of business, monsieur, and for the good of the Cause!"
+
+"What do you call the Cause?"
+
+"The filling of my pocket, monsieur."
+
+He was a thorough rascal, but not a hypocrite, and so far was a better
+man than those he served.  He marched to battle under the banner of
+Pillot, and gathered in the spoils openly.  He had a stout heart, too,
+and did not whine when the luck was against him, as he had shown at La
+Boule d'Or.  Altogether, I could not help feeling a sort of liking for
+the rogue.
+
+The chamber to which the innkeeper showed me after supper was small,
+dark, and low in the ceiling, but, as I have mentioned, the inn itself
+was a poor place.  I looked to the fastenings of the door; they were
+very slight, and completely useless as a protection.
+
+"Take no notice, monsieur," whispered Pillot, rapidly.  "The boor has
+given me a sleeping place downstairs, but presently I shall return here
+quietly, and then--ah well, we shall see."
+
+Then he wished me good-night loudly, and followed the landlord
+downstairs, while I, blowing out the light, lay fully dressed on the
+bed, and with my weapons close at hand.  In spite of Pillot's warning I
+fell asleep, but it was still dark when I wakened with a curious
+feeling that something was happening.  Being unable to see, I lay still
+and listened intently.
+
+Creak!  Creak!  The sound was very low, but I recognised that some one
+was opening the door from the outside.  Another creak, and then
+silence.  Very quietly I reached for my sword and prepared to spring
+from the bed.  Presently, as if satisfied that the sound had not
+disturbed me, my uninvited guest pushed the door ajar and slipped into
+the room.  I could not perceive him, yet I knew he was creeping closer
+to my side.
+
+"_Pouf!_" I thought to myself, "there will be an unwelcome surprise for
+you in a moment, my friend."
+
+Suddenly the silence was broken by a loud and terrified cry, followed
+by a harsh laugh.  Then there was a rush of feet towards the door, and,
+jumping to the ground, I groped for the tinder-box and procured a
+light.  Running to the landing and holding up the candle, I was just in
+time to behold a most comical sight.  One of the villagers was running
+down the stairs as fast as his legs would carry him, and screaming with
+fright, while Pillot clung firmly to his back.
+
+"Help! help!" shouted the fellow; "help! the Evil One has got me," and
+very soon every one in the house was running to discover the cause of
+the tumult.  At the bottom of the stairs the two passed from sight, but
+the screams continued, and presently we heard a smash as if a door had
+been burst open.
+
+"What is it?" cried one of the trembling servants.
+
+"It was Pierre Angin who called," said another, "I would swear to his
+voice."
+
+The innkeeper turned to me appealingly, and willing to give them a
+further fright I said, "It is simple enough.  This fellow came to rob,
+perhaps to kill me.  I heard him in my room.  For the rest I do not
+think he will turn thief again in a hurry."
+
+In the midst of the hubbub, Pillot came towards us, rubbing his eyes
+sleepily, and asking in a cross voice what the mischief was, and why a
+man could not be allowed to sleep without all that clatter.  So well
+did he act that, but for my glimpse of him on the stairs, I should not
+have guessed he was the author of the trick.
+
+"If monsieur will lend me the candle," said he, "we will make a
+search," and he gravely led the way downstairs.
+
+"This is the way," cried the innkeeper, "see here!" and, perspiring
+with excitement, he pointed to the door which led into the stable yard.
+In his desperate efforts to escape, the fellow had burst it open at a
+blow.
+
+No one in the inn went to sleep again that night.  Pillot returned to
+my room, and told with evident enjoyment all about his trick.  He was
+lying in wait when the man first entered, and, as the fellow crouched
+to the ground, had sprung lightly on his back.
+
+"He thought the Evil One had him, monsieur, to a certainty, and yelled
+loud enough to waken the dead.  I do believe that till his dying day
+Pierre Angin will be an honest man!"
+
+As soon as it was light the innkeeper, still looking white and scared,
+prepared some breakfast, and afterwards ordered our animals to be
+brought to the door.  From the joyful way he pocketed the coin I gave
+him, it was evident he had not counted on payment, which perhaps
+explained the surliness of his manners.  Might was right in those dark
+days of the Fronde, and the folk of the strong hand cared little for
+justice.  Pillot, I am sure, thought me crazy, to pay this simple boor
+in money, when a cut with a whip would, in his opinion, have done just
+as well.
+
+The weather remained beautifully fine, and, until near the capital, our
+ride was very pleasant.  During the last part of the journey, however,
+my cheerfulness was dashed by the universal signs of desolation and
+decay.  The ground lay bare and unfilled, the fat beeves and sturdy
+oxen had vanished, to be replaced here and there by a lean scraggy
+beast or two, all skin and bone; the yards were destitute of ricks, the
+hovels were deserted or inhabited by diseased and half-starved
+scarecrows; erstwhile honest villagers, rendered desperate by hunger,
+prowled in the woods to pounce on any unwary traveller whom chance
+should deliver into their hands.
+
+Pillot saw to his pistols and I loosened my sword, since it was
+probable we should have occasion for both.  One ragged, unkempt fellow
+did take a shot at us from behind a tree, but, missing his aim, he
+dashed into the thick wood and was lost to sight.
+
+"_Parbleu!_ these peasants need not talk of the wickedness of Paris!"
+exclaimed my companion, "when a peaceful citizen cannot travel in
+safety on the king's highway."
+
+"Starving men rarely distinguish between right and wrong, and these
+people have been turned into wild beasts.  Robbed and beaten as they
+are, I don't wonder that they rise against those who oppress them!"
+
+"Ah!" cried Pillot with a grin, "it is all the doing of the wicked
+Cardinal, and these poor people perhaps recognise monsieur as his
+friend."
+
+"I wonder you are not afraid to ride with me," said I, laughing at his
+impudence.
+
+After this trifling adventure we rode warily, keeping a sharp look-out
+for any further ambush, but perhaps our display of weapons frightened
+the robbers, as no one interfered with us again until we arrived at the
+gate of St. Denis just before it closed for the night.  Here I parted
+with Pillot, who had to make his report to my cousin Henri.
+
+"Till our next merry meeting, monsieur!" cried he heartily.  "By that
+time I hope we shall both be on the same side.  Mazarin is gone for
+good, and you cannot do better than join us--we play the winning game."
+
+The rascal bowed low and rode off, while I turned towards the city.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A Scheme that Went Amiss
+
+Paris seemed much as usual.  The streets were filled with noisy bands
+of turbulent people, but there were fewer cries of "Down with Mazarin!"
+the mob contenting itself with cheering for Conde and De Retz, though
+several times I heard the Prince's name uttered with every sign of
+anger and disapproval.
+
+Fortunately my former rooms were still vacant, so, having stabled my
+horse at the inn two doors below, I took possession, and soon had the
+satisfaction of sitting down to an ample supper.
+
+"Monsieur has been long away," remarked the landlord on coming to
+remove the things.
+
+"I have been in the country for the benefit of my health," I replied
+carelessly.  "Affairs have changed since I was here last."
+
+"Ah, yes!  The Cardinal has fled, and Conde will be master now.  The
+stupid Fronde is done with, monsieur, and we are all brothers together."
+
+"And the Queen?" I asked curiously, "does she approve of all these
+changes?"
+
+"She is delighted, monsieur.  There will be no rough places or crooked
+paths for her any more; the prince is so powerful that no one dares to
+attack her," and the honest fellow departed, smiling with pleasure at
+the prospect of peace.
+
+Early the next morning I walked across to the Palais Royal, wondering
+what was best to be done, when, to my lively joy, I found that Belloc
+still held a command there.  I gave my name to the officer on duty, and
+was immediately admitted to the old soldier's quarters.  He was sitting
+in his room, looking harassed and worn, which rather surprised me,
+because as a rule nothing troubled him.  He greeted me kindly, and as
+we sat chatting I thought he was trying to make up his mind on some
+knotty point.
+
+"Were you in the city last night?" he asked presently.
+
+"Yes!  The people are wild with delight at the idea of seeing Conde."
+
+Casting an anxious glance round the room, he said in a low voice, "Come
+nearer, Albert, I am going to reveal a secret.  First of all, the
+Prince is still in prison, and if all goes well this evening he will
+stay there.  You are a brave lad, and honest, and I think you can help
+me."
+
+"I will do my best," said I, flushing with pleasure at his praise.
+
+"The adventure is dangerous, and it worries me, not for myself but for
+others.  If it succeeds, the Cardinal will be stronger than ever; if it
+fails----" and he finished with a shrug of his shoulders.
+
+"You may count on me."
+
+"Yes, I am sure of it.  Well, this is what we intend to do.  At present
+the Queen has few friends in Paris, but the country will fight for the
+King.  Now, the plan is to smuggle them out of the city, when they will
+join the Cardinal, and take up arms for the freedom of the throne.
+Without Conde, the rest will be able to accomplish nothing."
+
+"A good plan," said I, "and the sooner it is carried out the better."
+
+"If all goes well, to-morrow morning will find us far away from Paris.
+Everything is ready, but I cannot trust the Queen's coachman.  He is an
+honest fellow enough, but timid, and likely to lose his head at the
+first sign of danger.  Do you think you can drive the coach safely?"
+
+"Let me choose my horses!"
+
+"You can have the pick of the royal stables.  But, mind you, Albert,
+this is no child's play.  If the mob gets wind of the affair there will
+be a terrible struggle.  I shall not think the worse of you if you
+decide to leave the business alone."
+
+"I will undertake it, old friend, but you must supply me with a
+coachman's dress."
+
+"That can be obtained easily; there are plenty for sale in the city,
+and I will send a trusty fellow to buy one which will fit you."
+
+He left the room, hinting it would be better that I should not show
+myself, and leaving me in a high state of excitement to ponder over the
+coming venture.  It was a risky one, but I was young and hot-headed,
+and did not fully realise the danger.
+
+The old soldier returned about noon, bringing my fresh clothes with
+him, and I put them on.  Then he browned my face and hands with some
+colouring matter, and I was transformed into a very fair specimen of a
+coachman.
+
+"_Parbleu!_" cried he, rubbing his hands, "you will do famously.  Now I
+will take you to the stables; choose your horses; have them ready, and
+bring them round to Mazarin's private entrance at six o'clock
+precisely.  You have your pistols?  Right.  I don't know about your
+sword, but perhaps it will be useful.  I will have it placed on the
+seat of the coach.  First of all, though, you must have something to
+eat, and I will serve you myself; it is doubtful which of the servants
+can be trusted."
+
+During the meal he repeated his instructions, and it was plain that the
+terrible responsibility had made him extremely anxious.
+
+"Mind," said he, as we rose at length to leave the room, "from this
+moment your life is no longer your own.  You must sacrifice it, if need
+be, for the Queen."
+
+"I am willing to do that, monsieur, though I hope there will be no
+occasion."
+
+Passing along the corridor, and descending a flight of steps, we
+reached a part of the palace which I had not visited before, and were
+met by M. Corveau, who was really in command of the stables, though
+most of the fees went to a much more distinguished person.
+
+M. Belloc introduced us to each other, and with a last whispered word
+of advice returned to his duties.  I accompanied my new acquaintance to
+the stables, and after some delay chose two animals for the work in
+hand.
+
+"You evidently know something of horseflesh," said Corveau, smiling,
+"but these are rather difficult to drive; they are too spirited."
+
+"They will make it the more awkward for any one who happens to get in
+their way."
+
+"True; but are you strong enough in the wrists to hold them?"
+
+"I believe I can manage it."
+
+"Well," he said, "I wish you good luck," but his tone clearly showed
+that he did not expect it.
+
+However, it was useless being alarmed; so, putting a bold face on the
+matter, I made friends with the horses, fed and watered them myself,
+and spent all the afternoon with them.  A quarter before six I had them
+put to, and, mounting the box, drove the carriage--a private one
+borrowed for the occasion--slowly round to the appointed place.  It
+still wanted a few minutes to six when the bells of the city churches
+clanged forth in thunderous peals, and, though ignorant of the cause, I
+felt somewhat alarmed.
+
+"That will be awkward for our plan," I muttered.  "There is a tumult of
+some sort going on, and the streets will be crowded.  So much the worse
+for us."
+
+Five minutes passed, but no one had opened the door of the Palace;
+another five minutes slipped away and the animals were growing
+restless, when suddenly Belloc himself appeared.  One glance at his
+face was sufficient to tell me that something had gone amiss.
+
+"Get your weapons," he cried, "send the horses back to the stables, and
+come inside."
+
+As soon as I had joined him, he fastened the door, and led the way
+upstairs.
+
+"What has happened?" I asked, feeling strangely bewildered.
+
+"Treachery," said he sternly; "we have been betrayed.  Orleans has
+seized the gates, and the streets are filled with a shouting mob.
+Change your dress quickly, we shall need every sword."
+
+"But the mob will not dare----"
+
+"_Peste!_ the mob will dare anything!  De Retz has called the people to
+arms, and presently they will attack the Palace.  Paris will swim in
+blood before morning."
+
+"But De Retz will prevent the _canaille_ from going too far."
+
+"Bah! you speak like a boy!  Once they are roused, De Retz can no more
+hold them back than he can fondle a starving tigress without being
+bitten.  Make haste and come to me."
+
+By the time I had cleansed the stain from my hands and face, and
+resumed my ordinary apparel, every one in the Palace was aware of the
+terrible danger.  Trembling servants went about with white faces;
+high-born cavaliers lined the corridors leading to the royal
+apartments; officers silently posted their men; everything was made
+ready for a fierce struggle.
+
+"No surrender!" was the cry from every fighting man.  "Let us die where
+we stand."
+
+Gradually the noise and tumult outside came nearer; we could hear the
+tramp of marching feet and the savage shouts of the populace clamouring
+to see the King.  Choosing the post of danger, M. Belloc had stationed
+himself with a few trusty soldiers near the main entrance, where I
+joined him.  The veteran was fuming with impatience; he only awaited an
+order from the Palace to sally forth upon the advancing multitude.
+
+"The King!" roared the excited mob; "where is the King? show us the
+King!" and our leader glanced at me as if to say, "I told you the plot
+had been betrayed."
+
+Meanwhile the Queen and her attendants, working hard, had restored the
+Palace to its usual appearance; Louis was in bed, sleeping soundly, and
+all traces of the intended flight had been removed.
+
+Presently a note was brought from the Queen to Belloc, who, reading it
+hastily, told the messenger to inform her Majesty that her commands
+should be obeyed; then turning to us, he added that no one was to fire
+a shot until he himself gave the signal.
+
+"Her Majesty," he explained, "hopes no blood will be shed, but that the
+mob having discovered its mistake will disperse quietly."
+
+"A fig for the mob!" said a grim-looking trooper to a comrade; "let our
+leader give the word and we will soon clear the courtyard."
+
+"Here comes an officer," said another; "he is wearing the Orleans
+colours.  What does he want?"
+
+"Bah!" cried a third trooper, who spoke with a strange accent, "this
+isn't the way to quell a riot.  My old master lost his head through not
+knowing how to deal with rebels.  The block for the leaders and a
+whipping for the others would soon teach them their manners."
+
+The words and the accent made me look at the speaker more closely.  He
+was a young fellow with fair hair and blue eyes like D'Arcy, but he was
+built more stoutly and looked stronger altogether.  His name, I learned
+afterwards, was John Humphreys, and he was the son of an English
+gentleman who had lost his estates through fighting for his King,
+Charles I.  At the moment, however, I could not think much of this
+young exile, my attention being engrossed by the Orleanist officer, who
+rode across the courtyard towards us.
+
+"Raoul!" I exclaimed to myself, and drew back into the shadow, not
+caring that he should notice me.  He did not seem very happy, and
+approached our leader as if thoroughly ashamed of his errand.
+
+"I am Captain of the Guard to the Duke of Orleans," he explained, "and
+am desired by the Duke to seek an audience with her Majesty the
+Queen-Mother."
+
+"Are those your followers?" asked Belloc scornfully, pointing to the
+howling mob outside.
+
+Raoul returned no answer, but bit his lip deeply, while the other
+continued, "It is no fault of mine, M. Raoul Beauchamp, that you gain
+admittance to the Palace.  But for the Queen's orders I would gladly
+send you back to your friends who make war so bravely--on a woman and a
+boy."
+
+"Your speech is a trifle unjust, M. Belloc," said Raoul; "I am a
+soldier, and cannot question the commands of my chief.  As to my own
+feelings--well that is another matter," and with a studied bow he
+passed into the building.
+
+Meanwhile the mob was increasing in numbers and violence every moment,
+and, as the soldiers had received orders not to fire, the courtyard was
+soon filled with excited people who howled, and danced, and shouted for
+the King to be produced.  Two or three times I glanced anxiously at
+Belloc, wondering how much longer his patience would last.
+
+"Open the doors," cried the foremost rioters; "we will enter and see
+for ourselves where the King is."
+
+"The King is in bed!" cried M. Belloc angrily.
+
+"Ah! at St. Germain!" shouted a fellow dressed like a street hawker,
+but whose voice I recognised, "We are betrayed!"
+
+It was very stupid to interfere, but I could not resist the chance.
+
+"Ha! ha! friend Peleton, then for once you are on the wrong side!" I
+laughed.  "Generally it is you who do the betraying."
+
+The fellow rushed at me savagely, but the young Englishman drove him
+back, saying, "Down, dog!  Keep with your kind!  You are not wanted
+with honest men."
+
+"Peace!" cried M. Belloc angrily, for he saw, what I did not, that the
+crowd was gradually working itself into a fit of passion.
+
+Fortunately, just then the door was opened, and Raoul, coming outside,
+was immediately recognised as the messenger of the Duke of Orleans.
+
+"The King!" they yelled; "Where is he?"  "Have you seen him?"  "Speak
+or we will pull the place down."
+
+Raoul stood on the topmost step, and raised his hand for silence.  His
+face was pale, but he looked very handsome, and was evidently not in
+the least afraid.
+
+"You have been deceived," he said.  "The King is within the Palace.  I
+have seen him; he is sound asleep.  Go away quietly, or you will waken
+him."
+
+They would probably have taken his advice but for Peleton, who cried
+lustily, "We are betrayed!  How can we tell what is true, unless we see
+for ourselves."
+
+"Yes, yes," shouted the mob; "that is the best way; we will see the
+King with our own eyes!"
+
+Again Raoul raised his hand and spoke, telling them the King was
+asleep; they would not be satisfied, but demanded loudly that they
+should be admitted to the Palace.  The situation was growing critical;
+we stood, as it were, upon a mine, which a spark might explode at any
+moment.  M. Belloc's face was pale but determined; his brows were
+knitted; he gazed at the mob with angry scorn.
+
+"Give us the word, sir," said the young Englishman, "and we will
+scatter them like chaff!"
+
+This, I knew well, was mere reckless bravery; we were but a handful
+compared with the multitude, and would quickly have been lost in the
+human sea.  Still, I liked the speaker none the less for his daring,
+and more than one trooper grimly growled approval.
+
+Raoul was white now, and the perspiration stood in beads on his
+forehead.  At first I did not understand why he should be afraid, but
+his hurried words to our leader made the reason plain.
+
+"Unless something is done quickly," he exclaimed, "there will be a
+frightful tragedy.  I will write a note to the Duke, and you shall send
+it by a private way.  He is the only man who can induce these people to
+disperse."
+
+"He, or De Retz," said Belloc with a sneer.
+
+I had never seen the old warrior so angry.  He was playing a part for
+which he had no liking.  It was not in his nature to stand quietly by
+while his sovereign was insulted; his fingers strayed nervously towards
+the hilt of his sword; he would have leaped for joy had his Queen sent
+him permission to charge headlong at the rabble.  But he realised, as
+we did, that the safety of the Royal Family depended more on tact than
+on brute courage, and he had just agreed to Raoul's proposal when a
+note was handed him from the Palace.
+
+"_Parbleu!_" he exclaimed savagely, having mastered its contents, "this
+goes against the grain, but the Queen's commands must be obeyed.  Here
+is an order, monsieur, to admit a part of the _canaille_ into the
+Palace!  Perhaps, monsieur, you will select the sturdiest of your
+ruffians for the honour."
+
+Raoul did not resent the insult, though his face burned like fire, but
+facing the angry people he spoke to them boldly.
+
+"Citizens," cried he, in a clear ringing voice, "I have a message for
+you from Her Majesty.  I have told you the King is in bed and asleep,
+but you are not satisfied.  That you may be quite sure, the
+Queen-Mother desires that a deputation shall visit the royal
+apartments.  Will you be content with the report of your own friends?"
+
+"Yes, yes," shouted the mob; "let us see the King!"
+
+"One word more," continued Raoul sternly, when the hubbub had subsided.
+"I am, as you are aware, for the Duke of Orleans, and he, mind you, is
+loyal to the crown."
+
+"So are we!  _Vive le roi!_"
+
+"And I will run my sword through the first man who insults the
+Queen-Mother by word or look."
+
+I was proud of Raoul at that moment, and Belloc gripped his hand,
+saying heartily, "Forgive my rough words, Beauchamp; you are made of
+the right stuff after all!"
+
+Directly the door was opened the mob pressed forward, and I called
+mockingly to Peleton to come inside the Palace, but that worthy, having
+finished his work, slunk away.
+
+To relieve the pressure other doors were opened, and soon we had a
+motley throng of carters, hawkers, and shopkeepers, waiting to be led
+to the King's room.  At a sign from Belloc I accompanied them, and for
+the first time Raoul perceived me.  He dared not speak just then, but
+his face showed how completely he detested his errand.
+
+After a short delay the procession was marshalled into something like
+order, and I must say, in justice to our uninvited visitors, that, now
+their point was gained, no one could grumble with their behaviour.
+They walked softly, and spoke in whispers, and as we approached the
+royal apartments every man bared his head.  The soldiers were out of
+sight, and the Queen-Mother was attended only by the ladies of her
+household.  The Lady Anne's face betrayed no sign of fear.  From her
+manner one would have thought she was receiving a deputation from the
+crowned heads of Europe.
+
+The King, as Raoul had declared, was in bed, and sleeping so soundly
+that the tumult and confusion failed to awaken him.  Very softly the
+men stole past on tip-toe, and, as they gazed at the handsome boy, more
+than one grimy unkempt fellow murmured, "God bless him!"
+
+All danger was at an end, the raging tigers who had stormed in the
+courtyard were changed into lambs, and the only cry to reach the
+soldiers on guard at the gates was, "_Vive le roi!_"  As soon as the
+last man had departed, the doors of the Palace were securely fastened,
+and then M. Belloc despatched me by a private way to discover what was
+happening in the city.  In order to avoid undue attention I threw a
+plain cloak over my gaudy apparel, but there was no danger.  A few
+hired agitators endeavoured to stir up the tumult afresh, but the men
+who had beheld the sleeping King would not give them hearing.
+
+"The Duke has been deceived," shouted one burly ruffian.  "I have been
+to the Palace and seen the King asleep.  The Queen does not wish to
+leave Paris, I tell you!"
+
+In this, of course, he was wrong, but his words had effect, and the mob
+at that point breaking up dispersed to their homes.  For two hours I
+roamed about, and then, finding the streets rapidly clearing, returned
+to the Palais Royal with the assurance that, for the time at least, De
+Retz and his friends had failed.
+
+"Had I my way," exclaimed Belloc wrathfully, "both De Retz and Orleans
+should find lodgings in the Bastille.  However, we have done our best,
+and must wait events.  This night's work means that Conde must be set
+at liberty.  A plague on it!"
+
+"Then we may bid a long adieu to the Cardinal!"
+
+"Don't be so sure of that, my boy.  Mazarin may have a fall or two, but
+he generally wins at the finish.  And now, go to my room and rest; we
+will have a further talk in the morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+I have a Narrow Escape.
+
+At breakfast, M. Belloc, who had not retired during the night, informed
+me that he had already received the Queen's commands, and was on the
+point of setting out for Havre, where the Cardinal was expected to be
+found.
+
+"At present," he continued, "we must play a waiting game.  Our time
+will come when the new allies begin quarrelling, and that will not be
+long."
+
+"Do I go with you?" I asked.
+
+"No.  It is possible you may be of some use to us in Paris, and I have
+told Le Tellier where to find you.  I have also given your name to the
+Queen, and informed her she may rely on your services.  It may be that
+I shall return shortly; if so, you will hear from me.  Meanwhile, keep
+eyes and ears well open, and be ready to obey any order from Le Tellier
+or the Queen."
+
+As soon as my friend had started--and he was in a desperate hurry--I
+returned to my rooms, feeling rather lonely and disappointed.  On the
+table was a brief note from Raoul, announcing that he had gone to
+Havre, and could not tell when he would be in Paris again.
+
+"_Peste!_" I exclaimed moodily, "one might as well be at Vancey as
+here.  How shall I pass the time?  It seems that, after all, I have
+brought my produce to a bad market."
+
+I had stayed at home several days doing nothing, when one evening my
+landlord, bustling into the room, exclaimed, "Is it possible monsieur
+does not know that the city is _en fete_ in honour of the prince's
+arrival?  All the world has gone to witness the sights, and the prince
+is expected in an hour's time!"
+
+I had no desire to swell the welcome to Conde, but to sit moping alone
+was dreary work; so, buckling on my sword, I sallied out.  Always at
+one extreme or the other, the Parisians had prepared a magnificent
+reception for their latest favourite.  Lanterns were hung from the
+windows of the houses, bonfires blazed, bands of nobles in gorgeous
+dresses lined the streets, splendid carriages with richly-caparisoned
+horses were drawn up, ready to take part in the procession, while the
+people were cheering in their thousands for Conde.
+
+"_Ma foi!_" exclaimed a strong voice, which sounded somewhat familiar,
+"one would imagine this Conde to be a king!" and looking round, I
+recognised the Englishman who belonged to the Queen's Guards.
+
+"Be careful," said I, warningly.  "It is unwise to abuse Conde here."
+
+"For to-day!" replied he, laughing.  "To-morrow it may be different.
+Pardon me, monsieur, but I do not understand your people.  They are too
+much like quicksilver; one is never sure where to catch them.  Just now
+they welcome Conde as a hero, but who can say what they will do in a
+week?"
+
+"Monsieur makes the mistake of most strangers; he judges the country by
+Paris, which is wrong," I remarked.
+
+"Perhaps so.  Paris is almost the only place with which I am
+acquainted.  But are you, too, waiting to cheer Conde?  If not, let us
+slip away from the crowd; the noise is becoming a nuisance."
+
+He was such a pleasant fellow that I gladly joined him, and we strolled
+back together to the Palais Royal.  His name, as I have mentioned, was
+John Humphreys, and, although still a young man, he had already been
+through numerous adventures.  In the great English Civil War he had
+fought at his father's side for King Charles.  Then, being left alone
+and penniless by the death of his father in the Low Countries, he had
+journeyed to Paris and taken service in the Queen's Guards.  There were
+numerous English exiles in Paris at that time, but most of them, I
+think, were in the pay of Conde.
+
+Raoul had not returned, so that I was glad of the Englishman's company,
+and, indeed, we very soon became good friends.  He was never tired of
+talking about his country and of his hope one day to live there again.
+Sometimes I accompanied him to his quarters at the Palais Royal, where
+he introduced me to a few of his comrades, but more often we strolled
+about the city.
+
+For once in a while Paris was actually quiet.  The people went
+peacefully to their daily work; the lowest classes retired to their
+dens, and one could take a morning walk without meeting a howling mob.
+Every one repeated the same tale.  Mazarin would never return; Conde
+was master, and the stupid Fronde was at an end.
+
+Madame Coutance had returned to Paris with her niece, and occasionally
+I spent an hour at her house, where she treated me with much kindness;
+only she would insist that I was a silly fellow not to abandon a lost
+cause.
+
+For a time it really seemed that Conde's triumph was assured, but soon
+I began to hear whispers that all was not right in the Palais Royal.
+Bits of gossip picked up by the Englishman, and a word or two from Le
+Tellier, made me imagine that Conde's position was less safe than he
+imagined.
+
+Sitting alone one evening by the open window of my room, I noticed,
+approaching the house, a handsomely-dressed gallant, holding in his
+hand a naked sword on which were some fresh blood-stains.  He, glanced
+up at me, smiling, and I, recognising Raoul, ran hastily to meet him.
+
+"Why, it is as dangerous to visit you as a deposed favourite!" he cried
+merrily.
+
+"You come in such gorgeous plumage.  Many a man in the Rue des Catonnes
+would cheerfully risk his life for the value of your gold braid.  But,"
+glancing at the blood on his sword, "you have discovered that!"
+
+"Yes, there is a poor wretch farther down nursing his arm and grumbling
+frightfully at his own clumsiness; but I threw him a pistole or two to
+buy some ointment.  So you have not followed the Cardinal?"
+
+"No!  I am waiting here till his return," and we went upstairs
+together, Raoul laughing heartily at what he called my impudence.
+
+He did not refer to our last meeting at the Palais Royal, but chatted
+gaily about his sudden visit to Havre, though, of course, without
+revealing to me the secrets of his party.
+
+"Well," I remarked presently, "now that the wretched squabble is over,
+what have you gained by it?"
+
+"Over?" he cried in astonishment; "come to the Pont Neuf and see for
+yourself what is going on.  The cards have been shuffled again, and we
+are playing the game with different partners.  Conde has gone too far,
+and Dame Anne will have none of him.  He claims every office in the
+State for his friends, and three-fourths of the country for himself.
+Unless he is put down, as Mazarin says, there will be nothing left but
+to carry him to Rheims."
+
+"Then you have broken with the prince?"
+
+"Our party holds the scales at present; neither side can do anything
+without us."
+
+"What of De Retz?"
+
+"That is the most comical part of all; he is hand in glove with the
+Queen, and has become Conde's bitterest enemy.  At least that was the
+situation this morning.  To-morrow perhaps will furnish a fresh move."
+
+"One has to blush for being a Frenchman!  I shall go to Marshal
+Turenne; he is the only honest man in the country."
+
+"Another broken reed, my friend!  If rumour speaks truly, he has made a
+bargain with Conde, and will support him even in open rebellion.  By
+the way, do not wander about the city too much at night."
+
+"Why?" I asked, looking at him in surprise.
+
+"Because you have made two bitter enemies--Maubranne and Peleton.  They
+have both joined De Retz, and Peleton will work you all the mischief he
+can.  He is a dangerous man."
+
+"A fig for Peleton!  He is a coward."
+
+"A coward can often strike a sure blow in the dark."
+
+We were in the streets by this time, and, passing with difficulty
+through the crowds of people, I was strongly reminded of the evening
+when I accompanied the now exiled minister to the house of the
+astrologer.
+
+The riff-raff of the city were out in large numbers; the hawkers were
+crying their literary wares; the Black Mantles had gathered in knots to
+guard their property; while the young bloods swaggered along, laughing
+and joking, but toying with their swords as if longing for a chance to
+use them.  On the previous occasion the rabble had roared themselves
+hoarse with cries against Mazarin and the Queen-Mother; now they
+shouted with equal vigour against Conde and his friends.
+
+"The Abbe is still alive," remarked Raoul, as we pushed a way through
+the crowd.
+
+"Is this his doing?"
+
+"Every bit of it, and your cousin Henri makes an able lieutenant.  De
+Retz is a dangerous enemy; all the blackguards in the city are under
+his thumb.  You will find that he will drive the prince out of Paris
+before he has finished."
+
+"What are they doing to that fellow yonder?  Why, it is Joli, and they
+are making him cry 'Down with Conde!'"
+
+Raoul burst out laughing.  "Joli is Conde's henchman!" he exclaimed,
+"and a week ago he had the mob at his call.  To-morrow as likely as not
+the idiots will be bawling for Mazarin."
+
+"The nobles have set them a good example.  There goes Joli.  I did not
+think he could run so fast.  But these fellows are becoming too daring.
+See, they have stopped a carriage at the corner of the street, and are
+threatening the occupants."
+
+"More of Conde's friends," said Raoul lightly.  "Fortunately, Joli has
+put the crowd in good humour, and there will be no mischief done unless
+those inside are obstinate."
+
+"Listen.  There is one woman not easily frightened!" and above the
+turmoil caused by the _canaille_ rose a defiant "_Vive le Prince!_"
+
+"Imbecile!" cried Raoul angrily, "they will tear her in pieces!"
+
+"She has plenty of pluck, whoever she is!" I replied.
+
+The next instant we had drawn our swords; for the woman in the carriage
+who had so proudly defied the ruffians of Paris was Madame Coutance,
+and by her side, pale yet undismayed, sat Marie.
+
+The elder lady, marvellously handsome in her excitement, stood up in
+full view of the crowd.  Her cheeks were flushed; her large black eyes
+flashed with surprising brilliancy; her lips were firm and compressed;
+and she gazed at the mob in scornful disdain.  At first the people
+laughed good-naturedly, telling her that if she would cry "Down with
+Conde!" they would let her carriage pass.  Then some of the fiercer
+ones pressing closer, used threats, but Madame Coutance, either
+reckless from excitement or not understanding the danger, only smiled.
+
+Raoul and I had reached the fringe of the now angry crowd, when,
+turning round at a touch on my shoulder, I perceived my English friend.
+
+"What is it?" he asked.  "Another revolution?"
+
+"The people are trying to force a woman to cry 'Down with Conde.'"
+
+"There's her answer," said he, as in a clear ringing voice Madame
+Coutance cried aloud, "Pah!  You are not good enough for Conde to wipe
+his boots on!"
+
+There was no disguising the bitterness of the insult.  The aristocrat
+flung it at them, flung it fight in their faces, and laughed as she saw
+it strike home.  A howl of rage greeted the taunt, and, listening to
+the wild, fierce yell--so different from the noisy bravado of a few
+minutes before, I shuddered; there was something so stern and
+purposeful about it.
+
+For fully a minute each man stood in his place, nursing the insult he
+had received; then, as if by one common impulse, the whole body sprang
+at the carriage.  The uproar waxed furious; the narrow street became a
+pandemonium; in their savage eagerness the people struggled and fought
+without order or method.
+
+The occupants of the houses on both sides, joining in the fray,
+showered missiles on the excited mob; the horses, maddened by the din,
+kicked and plunged; men shouted and women screamed; while Marie's aunt
+stood laughing defiantly at the monster her words had conjured up.  She
+had thrown one arm around her niece as if to protect her, and
+confronted the mob with flashing eyes and scornful brow.
+
+At the first sign of danger we had drawn our swords; now, flinging
+ourselves headlong into the press, we struck out fiercely to right and
+left, trying to force a passage to the carriage.  Raoul cut and thrust
+in gallant style, and all the time he shouted with the full power of
+his lungs, "Orleans!  Orleans!  To me, friends of Orleans."  I, taking
+my cue, yelled for Conde; the Englishman shouted, "Way for the Queen's
+Guards," while the mob endeavoured to drown our appeals by the ugly
+menace of "Death to the Nobles!"
+
+There was scant leisure in which to look at the ladies, but Madame
+Coutance did not once alter her position, nor try to hide the sneering
+smile on her face.
+
+Meanwhile our lusty shouts had brought assistance.  Several Black
+Mantles, fearful lest the riot should spread, fought with us; a couple
+of gentlemen, responding to the cry of "Conde!" had dashed in behind
+me, and presently from the street corner came a shout of "Beauchamp!
+Beauchamp!"
+
+"Bravo, D'Arcy!" cried Raoul in answer, and we continued the fight with
+greater zest.  After all, the nobles of France were not quite dead to
+honour; their lives were still at the service of their friends.
+
+Taking the shortest cut through the crowd, John Humphreys and I had
+reached the carriage door, and now stood with our backs to it, striving
+desperately to keep the ruffians off; Raoul, aided by several Black
+Mantles, was working round to the other side.
+
+At first we fought with a certain amount of skill and method, only
+endeavouring to parry our opponents' strokes, but presently the
+struggle became grim and deadly.  Then the fading daylight rapidly gave
+place to darkness, which was hardly lessened by the lanterns swung from
+the windows or by the fitful glow of the glaring pitch in the _falot_
+at the corner of the street.  The figures of the combatants, now
+momentarily lost in the black shadows, again springing forward into
+full relief, were horribly grotesque.
+
+Like ourselves, the people of the gutters were growing desperate,
+holding their own lives of no account, if only they could seize their
+prey.  Yelling and screaming, they struck out wildly with the oddest of
+odd weapons, and sprang at us, gnashing their teeth like wild beasts.
+
+[Transcriber's note: illustration missing from book]
+
+Of the Black Mantles who supported us, two went down quickly and were
+trampled on; Raoul was bleeding in the face, and I had received a nasty
+cut across the head; but Armand d'Arcy and his friends were breaking
+through the crowd, while the cries of "Orleans!" and "Conde" redoubled.
+
+Suddenly in the midst of it, my sword snapped against a pike-head, and
+in another instant I should have been killed but for Madame Coutance,
+who, with the heavy end of the coachman's whip, struck my assailant
+across the forehead, felling him like a log.
+
+Taken by surprise, I turned to glance at my deliverer, when a brawny
+fellow with fiery red hair, whose weapon had been wrenched from him in
+the fray, leaped at my throat.  By the flame of a lackey's torch I saw
+he was as ugly a rascal as one would find in Paris.  He had a huge
+mouth, with yellow, wolf-like teeth; his face was scarred in a dozen
+places; the bridge of his nose had at one time been broken, while the
+veins of his neck stood out like cords, A pair of tattered breeches and
+the remnant of a shirt constituted his fighting costume.
+
+Missing my neck, he caught me round the body just under the arm-pits,
+but leaving my arms free.  For a second or two I was held as in a vice;
+I thought my ribs would crack under the pressure, and struggled wildly
+for breath.  The main fight went on around us unheeded, as we swayed to
+and fro, now lurching against the broken carriage, now pushed under the
+heels of the kicking horses, or stumbling beneath the weapons of the
+other combatants.
+
+I could no longer distinguish anything clearly, and the shouting
+sounded in my ears like the thunderous roaring of the ocean.  Blood was
+running from my nostrils; the pain in my chest might have been caused
+by red-hot knives; it was almost impossible to breathe.  The fellow was
+slowly crushing me, and I was helpless.  I should have cried aloud in
+agony, but could make only a faint gurgling noise.  Closer and closer
+pressed the iron grip; my eyes burned like fire, while my breath came
+in short, stifling gasps.  Still I stood firmly on the ground with my
+feet wide apart, and, strong as my assailant was, he had not beaten me
+completely.
+
+If only I could get a breath of air into my lungs!  It was my one
+chance and the last; but the brawny ruffian, guessing how nearly gone I
+was, hugged me ever the more tightly, till it seemed that the unequal
+strife could not last another second.  Whether the final result was
+brought about by my last desperate effort, or was due to chance, I
+could not tell, but suddenly both of us, locked as we were in each
+other's arms, fell.  I was underneath, but, strangely enough, the
+pressure relaxed, and my assailant uttered a deep groan.
+
+Presently the heavy weight lying across my body was removed; I began to
+breathe, and to wonder what had happened.  Very slowly I opened my eyes
+and gazed in astonishment at the altered scene.
+
+The street was in possession of the Queen's Guards, at whose approach
+the rioters, acting on instructions from their leaders, had fled,
+carrying their wounded comrades with them.  In the middle of the
+roadway stood a group of young gallants--all of whom had borne a part
+in the fray, and several Black Mantles, attending to a slightly injured
+man!  Raoul and Armand d'Arcy were wiping the blood from my face, while
+the Englishman was forcing some liquid between my teeth.
+
+"How do you feel?" he asked.  "Can you stand?"
+
+"Yes, there is nothing much wrong; only I have had a bear's hug, which
+was by no means pleasant.  What has become of my opponent?"
+
+"His friends carried him off.  He was insensible; one of the frightened
+horses kicked him.  He was a savage customer."
+
+"You had a narrow escape, my boy," said Raoul, smiling cheerfully; "you
+were black in the face when we removed the fellow.  Now, lean on me,
+you must pay your respects to the ladies."
+
+"Salute the hero!" laughed D'Arcy.  "Bring flowers and wreathe a
+garland for his brow.  Let the conqueror be crowned on the tented
+field."
+
+"Be still, D'Arcy," said Raoul, "your tongue runs like a woman's," and
+he conducted me to Marie and her aunt, who, between them, made a pretty
+speech in my honour.  They wished me to enter the carriage, which,
+though badly damaged, remained fit for use; but to this I would not
+agree, preferring to walk beside it.
+
+While the coachman put his harness straight, and quietened his
+frightened horses, the ladies spoke a few kind words to the wounded
+Black Mantle who had fought for them so bravely.  Fortunately he had
+not been seriously hurt, and was able, with the assistance of his
+friends, to walk home.
+
+Suddenly young D'Arcy, who could never remain long in a serious humour,
+requested us to wait a few minutes, and without staying for answer
+darted off to his friends, who immediately dispersed.
+
+"What mischief is the young madcap bent on now?" I asked, wonderingly.
+
+"Armand has a brilliant idea," Raoul replied, laughing, "be patient and
+you will see."
+
+Now that the excitement had cooled, I looked round for the Englishman,
+but he had vanished, for which, when D'Arcy's hare-brained scheme
+became plain, I was not altogether sorry.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+I again Encounter Maubranne.
+
+The Queen's Guards had disappeared; the coachman was mounting to his
+seat when Armand and his friends returned, flourishing lighted torches,
+and singing a ridiculous song about the Abbe de Retz.
+
+"A torchlight procession in honour of the bravery of the ladies!"
+exclaimed D'Arcy with a merry laugh.  "Form your ranks, gentlemen; we
+will teach the impudent little Abbe to keep his place!"
+
+Holding torches in their left hands and naked swords in their right,
+the youthful gallants fell in; some in front, others to the rear of the
+carriage, while Raoul and I, unable to oppose this ludicrous whim,
+walked on either side.  Marie, who did not favour D'Arcy's pleasantry,
+sat so far back that her face could not be observed, but her aunt
+entered into the fun, and laughed merrily when the torchbearers,
+catching some luckless wight, forced him to bow humbly before the
+carriage and to cry, "_Vivent les Dames!_"
+
+The glare of the torches, the trampling of feet, the songs and laughter
+of the escort, brought the people out in crowds, which compelled us to
+proceed at a slow pace.  Here and there we heard a growl of "Down with
+Conde!" but for the most part the worthy citizens enjoyed the spectacle
+and cheered heartily.
+
+In the Rue Michel we were brought to a halt, and it appeared as if a
+second and more serious blood-letting would occur.  The narrow street
+was already crowded, and a carriage, preceded by half-a-dozen lackeys
+bearing torches, came towards us.  Casting a furtive glance at Raoul, I
+discovered him looking anxiously at me; it was obvious to us both that
+one party must turn back, but, unfortunately for any peaceful
+intentions we might have had, young D'Arcy who led the van, showed no
+sign of yielding.
+
+"Make room there!" he shouted imperiously, as if he were Conde himself,
+and the people, cowed by our display of strength, parted to right and
+left, leaving a clear passage.
+
+This gave us a clearer view of the other carriage, and I noticed with
+dismay that it must belong to some important personage.  Behind rode a
+number of cavaliers richly dressed, and what was more to the purpose,
+well armed.  Suddenly a mocking cry from Armand informed us who it was
+that paraded the streets thus numerously attended.
+
+"Bring your torches nearer, gentlemen, that we may observe the red hat
+of our little friend the better!" he exclaimed.
+
+A burst of mocking laughter greeted this speech, as every one knew how
+De Retz had been tricked by Mazarin, and how furious he was at having
+failed to obtain a Cardinal's hat.  Even the bystanders, most of whom
+were the Abbe's friends, joined in the laugh, for your true Parisian
+loves nothing so much as ridicule.
+
+"Poor little man," cried one of the gallants, with assumed sympathy,
+"it is difficult for him to hit on the exact shade to suit his beauty
+best!"
+
+Now, as De Retz was one of the ugliest men in France, this pleasantry
+was not likely to be well received, and I ran to the front with the
+idea of preserving peace.  At the same time the Abbe, followed by my
+cousin, left the carriage, and the cavaliers pressed up from behind.
+Instead of retreating, Armand stood his ground firmly, and continued
+waving his lighted torch in the face of the Abbe, crying, "Make way for
+His Eminence!  The Cardinal wishes to visit the ladies his mob tried to
+murder!"
+
+"Eh?  What's that?  Ladies?  Murder?  What do you mean?" cried the
+Abbe, affecting not to notice the ridicule.
+
+"Permit me to give your gentlemen the word," interposed Henri, "and
+these popinjays shall soon be cleared from your path."
+
+"The popinjays will take some time to clear!" remarked Armand laughing.
+"I am not acquainted with any law which gives a private citizen, even
+though he be a prospective cardinal, sole right to the streets of
+Paris."
+
+Now my cousin Henri was not noted for his lamb-like temper, so, without
+waiting for the Abbe's commands, he drew his sword and rushed at
+D'Arcy, crying, "On guard!"
+
+Another instant and the Rue Michel would have become the scene of
+fierce combat, but, unseen by us, a stranger quietly pushed his way
+through the crowd, and placed himself without the least hesitation
+between the combatants.  I gazed at him with interest.  He was a tall,
+finely-built man, with a long, flowing beard, and the most resolute
+face I had yet beheld in Paris.  His eyes were bright, shrewd, and
+piercing, his chin was square and firm, every line of his features
+betokened power and the habit of command.  Looking at him one was
+tempted to exclaim, "Here at least is a man!"
+
+He wore the long robe of a councillor, and carried no weapon, but he
+would have been a daring man who attacked him.  The danger in which he
+stood troubled him not at all; he did not seem even to be aware of it.
+
+"Put up your swords, gentlemen," he said quietly, and as if quite sure
+that no one would question his right to command.  Then, turning to De
+Retz he added in the same cool tones, "Monsieur l'Abbe, I am surprised
+you have not sufficient influence to prevent a breach of the peace!  It
+ill becomes a dignitary of the Church to be taking part in a street
+brawl."
+
+I can hardly imagine that De Retz was awed by the speaker--perhaps he
+had private reasons for avoiding a quarrel with this strong, purposeful
+man: at least he showed no offence at the rebuke, and not only
+requested Henri to sheathe his sword, but actually offered a half
+apology for the quarrel, which really was none of his seeking.
+
+"One must always yield to the ladies!" he exclaimed gallantly, and,
+with a courteous bow to the stranger, ordered his coach to be turned
+back.
+
+"Who is he?" I asked Raoul, as the peacemaker, after scolding D'Arcy
+for his rudeness, and bidding him be less hasty in future, withdrew.
+
+"Matthew Mole, the first President, and the only honest public man in
+France," replied Raoul bitterly, as he resumed his place in the
+procession.
+
+The torch-bearers were not yet weary of their mischief, but the
+encounter with De Retz rendered them less demonstrative, and the
+remainder of the journey passed without incident.  On arriving at the
+Rue Crillon, in order to keep up the character of the play, Armand
+marshalled his comrades in two lines, forming a kind of triumphal
+passage for Marie and her aunt.
+
+As soon as the ladies entered their house the escort dispersed, some
+going one way, some another, Raoul and I walked away together, and
+D'Arcy, still bubbling over with fun, accompanied us.
+
+"A nice evening's amusement," laughed the young scamp; "but what was it
+all about?  _Ma foi_, Beauchamp, I shall have to look after you more
+carefully in the future, or you will be getting into further scrapes!"
+
+"Take care yourself," I suggested, "or De Retz will lay you by the
+heels.  He won't be in a hurry to forgive this night's work."
+
+"Oh! the Abbe is a man of sense; he will laugh at the joke to-morrow,
+and accept his defeat gracefully.  What a firebrand your cousin is!
+Did you notice his eyes flash?  I thought he meant to make mincemeat of
+me!  It is a pity you are always against him; he will take quite a
+dislike to you."
+
+"Peleton and Maubranne are more to be feared than Henri," said Raoul.
+"Each of them has several scores to settle with our friend."
+
+"And with you and D'Arcy!"
+
+"Yes, but we possess powerful patrons; you have none.  If Peleton
+stabbed either of us in the back he would have to answer to the Duke of
+Orleans, but who is there to champion your quarrel?  Come with us to
+the Luxembourg, and let us introduce you to the Duke.  There is no
+dishonour in taking fresh service now that Mazarin has fled."
+
+"Still I intend to stand by the Cardinal!"
+
+"Bravo!" cried Armand; "never desert your colours!  I wish, though,
+that you belonged to our side."
+
+"You will come over to us yet," I said.  "A week ago you were hand in
+glove with De Retz; now you are Conde's friends.  Next week----"
+
+"That is too far off to consider," laughed Armand.  "Next week?  Why
+there are several days before that time arrives!  Your mind flies too
+fast, my boy.  I have yet to hear what led to such a hubbub this
+evening!"
+
+"A mere trifle," remarked Raoul; "Madame Coutance behaved foolishly.
+The Abbe's mob ordered her to cry 'Down with Conde!' and she told them
+they weren't fit to be his doormat."
+
+"She has plenty of pluck!"
+
+"It is a pity she hasn't a little more common-sense.  To-night she
+might have set all Paris by the ears through her want of thought.
+Mazarin was right in declaring she is like a child playing with fire."
+
+"By the way," asked Raoul, "who was the soldier fighting for us?  By
+his uniform he should be one of the Queen's Guards."
+
+"He does belong to them.  He is an Englishman named Humphreys, and a
+right good fellow."
+
+"A fine swordsman!  It was wonderful how he cleared a space; the people
+were afraid to be anywhere near him."
+
+"I must introduce him at the first opportunity.  You are sure to like
+him."
+
+"Not as an opponent," laughed Raoul; "and he doesn't seem likely to be
+anything else at present.  Well, we turn off here; I shall see you at
+the end of the week."
+
+"Meanwhile keep your eyes open!" D'Arcy advised, as they proceeded
+towards the Luxembourg, while I, crossing the Pont Neuf, turned down by
+the Quai.
+
+I had at the time a great deal to think of.  Being young and strong, I
+cared little for the threatened danger, but my stock of money was
+running low, and I foresaw that, unless something unexpected happened,
+I should be stranded before long for want of funds.
+
+Thus far, I thought bitterly, my search for fortune had not met with
+much success.  Twice I had been within an ace of death, and my body
+still bore the marks of several wounds.  Mazarin, to whose service I
+was pledged, had been banished, and I could find another patron only
+among his enemies.  Completely wrapped up in these thoughts, I wandered
+along the dirty quay, and turning mechanically in the proper direction,
+reached the Rue des Catonnes.
+
+The next day I increased my stock of ready money by the sale of my
+horse, which enabled me to carry on again for a time, and I hoped that
+before the supply was exhausted a fresh turn of fortune's wheel would
+relieve my difficulties.  Raoul, of course, would have lent me his
+purse freely, but that I did not wish.
+
+During the evening my English friend came across from the Palais Royal
+for a chat about the adventure of the previous night.  Like Raoul, he
+blamed Madame Coutance for her stupid behaviour, speaking his mind
+freely, and not stopping to choose his words.
+
+"Did you return with your comrades?" I asked.
+
+"Yes, and a lucky thing too, or I should have got into worse trouble.
+As it was, our captain reproved me severely for engaging in a street
+brawl.  Upon my word I think my brain must be softening."
+
+"What is the matter?"
+
+"Matter?" he cried, banging his fist on the table.  "Why, it takes a
+man all his time to find out where he stands in this topsy-turvy city.
+Just tell me what this commotion is about, will you?  It may be easy
+enough for a Frenchman to understand, but for me--it makes my head
+swim."
+
+He listened attentively while I explained the situation, asking a
+question here and there, and turning the answers over in his mind.
+
+"Oh," he observed at the end, "the affair is simple enough after all.
+The Queen has only to clap Orleans, Conde, and De Retz into the
+Bastille, and the trick is done.  If their friends grumbled, why they
+could go too, and fight out their quarrels in prison.  What is the use
+of being a Queen if you don't rule?"
+
+"Your plan is excellent, but it would bring about civil war, and we
+don't want that."
+
+"But you have it now!" he objected quickly.  "What else was the visit
+of the mob to the Palace the other night?  And this Conde--he issues
+his orders like a king, though according to you he is only a subject.
+I would have no such subjects in my country."
+
+"The trouble must be over soon.  The King will be proclaimed of age on
+his fourteenth birthday, and all parties will rally round him."
+
+"A good thing for the country!" said he, rising.  "Well, I must get
+back; I am on guard to-night."
+
+It was dreary work sitting in my room alone, so, putting on my hat, I
+strolled into the streets, and finally found myself at the house in the
+Rue Crillon.  Madame Coutance was at home, and she received me with
+high good-humour, calling me one of her knights-errant, and declaring I
+had helped to save her life, which was really true.
+
+It was interesting to observe how differently the two ladies regarded
+the same circumstance.  The elder one could talk only of the romantic
+parts; the challenge of the mob, the defiance, the fight, the arrival
+of the soldiers, the torchlight procession, the humbling of De Retz.
+Marie, on the contrary, cared little for these things; all her anxiety
+was for the people who had been injured.
+
+"The more I see of these troubles, the more hateful they become," she
+said.  "They have divided families, and parted friends; they have
+starved the poor and desolated the country, and no good has resulted
+from them."
+
+"The country requires a strong man like Conde to hold the reins,"
+remarked her aunt.
+
+"Or a learned priest like De Retz," I put in slily, and was met at once
+by strong expressions of dissent; Marie, in particular, declaring she
+would rather hear of the recall of Mazarin, which I ventured to
+prophesy would be the outcome of these petty squabbles.
+
+The girl seemed rather sad, and I was not surprised when she said, "I
+wish we were back at Aunay, away from the turmoil.  There is no peace
+in this continual whirl of excitement.  I am always thinking some evil
+is going to happen."
+
+"Nonsense," exclaimed her aunt.  "How can there be any danger now that
+Conde has returned to his rightful place?  De Retz will never dare to
+harm the prince's friends," a naive remark, which much amused me.
+
+It was late when I left the house, and the street was nearly deserted.
+Standing a moment on the step, I suddenly became aware of an
+ill-dressed fellow evidently watching me from the shelter of a door-way
+nearly opposite.
+
+"A spy!" I concluded, "and a very clumsy one, too.  I wonder if he has
+been set to dog me?"
+
+I crossed the road carelessly, when the fellow, no doubt hoping he had
+not been noticed, slipped off, and, on my following a short distance,
+he darted into a narrow street and disappeared.  Puzzled by this
+strange behaviour, I hid in the shadow of a wall, and kept a patient
+watch for over an hour, but he did not return.
+
+"Chut!" I exclaimed at last, "Raoul has shaken my nerves with his
+warning of Peleton and Maubranne.  Most likely the man did not know me
+from Adam."  I endeavoured to dismiss the incident from my mind, yet I
+could think of little else during the walk home, and even the next day
+the memory of it clung to me.  It seemed absurd to suppose that any one
+would spy on my actions, but in those days nothing was too absurd to be
+true.
+
+"Well," I thought, "it can soon be tested.  I will visit the Rue
+Crillon again to-night, and keep a sharp look-out."
+
+The streets as usual were extremely noisy; the citizens were out in
+crowds, and several slight scuffles occurred between the friends of
+Conde and De Retz.  Taking no notice of these squabbles, I proceeded
+briskly to the Rue Crillon, and there found my man in his hiding-place.
+He was carefully watching the house opposite, but as soon as I appeared
+within sight he vanished.
+
+"Oh, oh," said I to myself, with a chuckle, "it is Madame Coutance you
+are watching, is it?  Well, my friend, you will find that two can play
+at that game!" and, discovering a quiet corner, I stood flattened
+against the wall with my face muffled.
+
+Two hours passed, but the man did not re-appear, and, when midnight
+arrived without any incident, I left the Rue Crillon, which was now
+almost deserted.
+
+In a side street a number of people were cheering loudly for Conde, and
+farther on I met half a dozen cavaliers evidently returning from some
+meeting.  One was Baron Maubranne.  Willing to keep out of mischief, I
+drew aside to let him pass, hoping he would not recognise me.  He
+passed on singing lustily, but a second man stared insolently into my
+face.  Keeping my temper, though my fingers itched to chastise the
+fellow, I went on my way, thinking the danger past; but in this I was
+wrong.
+
+To reach the Pont Neuf it was necessary to traverse a narrow dingy
+court, and here my life and my story nearly came to an end together.
+
+Still thinking of the mysterious spy in the Rue Crillon, and not at all
+of Maubranne's friends, I proceeded slowly, paying little heed to my
+route.  Happily for me the court was very quiet; the inmates had
+retired to rest, and nothing broke the stillness of the night.
+
+Suddenly I stopped, with my hand on my sword, and listened intently.
+From behind came the swift patter of footsteps, and turning round I
+perceived dimly the figure of a man gliding along in the shadow of the
+wall.  Before I could get my sword free he sprang at me, and, in
+endeavouring to avoid the blow, I fell heavily.  With a jeering laugh
+the assassin flourished his sword, and, as I caught sight of his face,
+all hope vanished, for the man was Peleton.  Looking down at me, he
+gripped his weapon more firmly, and prepared to strike home.
+
+"You are a clever lad," said he tauntingly, "but all the skill in the
+world won't save you now.  I intend to pay off my old debts."
+
+The fall had half stunned me, but the sound of his voice and the gleam
+of steel brought back my senses.  I was struggling to regain my feet,
+when I heard a hoarse shout, and the next instant Peleton's weapon went
+flying into the air.  A second man had run up hurriedly, and was
+gripping my assailant's arm.
+
+"Fool!" cried he, "can't you wait?  Don't you know the Abbe has need of
+him?  A plague on your stupid temper; it will ruin everything.  Put up
+your sword, M. de Lalande," for by now I was standing on guard, "our
+friend here has made a trifling mistake, that is all."
+
+It was difficult to refrain from laughing at the man's coolness.  He
+spoke as if a sword thrust was a matter hardly to be considered; but I
+thanked him, nevertheless, for having saved my life.
+
+"Not at all, not at all!" he replied.  "There is nothing to be thankful
+for.  I only grudged my friend the pleasure of paying his score before
+my own account was settled."
+
+By this time I had recognised Maubranne, who, for some reason best
+known to himself, had interfered to prevent my being killed.  Now he
+rejoined Peleton, who meanwhile had groped about in the darkness and
+recovered his sword, and the two worthies departed together, leaving me
+in a state of considerable amazement.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+I Fall into a Trap.
+
+For a short while I remained trying to understand clearly what had
+happened, but it was all so strange that I could make nothing of it.
+There was, of course, no mystery in Peleton's attempt on my life, but
+what was I to think of Maubranne's rescue?
+
+The baron had distinctly stated I had no reason to thank him, I was
+only enjoying a respite, and that for the oddest of reasons--the Abbe
+had need of me!  What could be made of so astounding a remark as that?
+De Retz was no friend to me, while almost every act of mine had been
+opposed to his interests.  Without having the least suspicion as to the
+actual truth, I felt that the Abbe's plans boded me no good.  I was
+like a person groping in the darkness, and expecting every moment to
+fall into a deep pit.
+
+"Can't you wait?" Maubranne had asked.
+
+For what was Peleton to wait?  And how could it affect me?  Why should
+the fellow's temper spoil everything?  From Maubranne's words it
+appeared that the success of their scheme, whatever it was, depended on
+me.  Yet from the very beginning I had fought them tooth and nail.
+
+"This business will drive me crazy," I muttered, "it is worse than the
+muddle at La Boule d'Or.  Both these blackguards would gladly give me a
+few inches of steel, and yet, having me wholly in their power, they do
+me no injury.  It is evident that I, in some manner, am to further the
+interests of their party.  Am I to be offered a bribe?"
+
+This was making myself out to be a person of some consequence, but I
+could think of nothing else.  However, it was useless to stand there
+all night, so, keeping a keen look-out for fresh danger, I hurried from
+the court and made straight for the Pont Neuf.  A few night-birds were
+abroad, but I passed on swiftly, keeping well within the shadow of the
+walls.
+
+As it chanced, the night's adventures were not finished even yet.
+Turning into the Rue des Carolines, I was almost at home, when a man,
+slipping from the shadow of a doorway, swung a lantern in my face.
+Peleton's cowardly attack had put me on my guard, and in less than a
+second my sword was at the fellow's throat.
+
+He was either very stupid or very brave.
+
+"M. de Lalande?" said he quietly, and, thrusting a folded paper into my
+hand, vanished.
+
+I ran a few yards hoping to catch him, but he was soon swallowed up in
+the darkness, and there was nothing for it but to return.  In my room I
+opened the packet with nervous haste.  The letter, or rather note,
+consisted of only a few words, and had no signature.  I gazed at the
+writing curiously, it was cramped, partly illegible, and in a man's
+hand.  By supplying a letter here and there I managed to piece together
+the strange message.
+
+"When the net is spread openly, only a foolish bird will be ensnared.
+A wise one will fly away.  An old story relates how a swallow once
+found safety in the tents of an army."
+
+Nothing more!  I read it through again and again till I had learned
+every word by heart.  Who wrote it?  I knew not.  I counted no friends
+among the enemy, and danger was hardly likely to come from Raoul's
+party.  Peleton's attempt to murder me was merely the outcome of
+personal spite, and had nothing to do with this fresh adventure.  Yet,
+on one point, the message was clear.  Some peril threatened me, and my
+best chance of safety lay in flight.  But why?  I sat down to thresh
+the matter out.
+
+Including my cousin, I had three enemies.  Henri disliked me, because I
+had, to a certain extent, spoiled his plans; yet I did not, for an
+instant, imagine that he sought my life--that was out of all reason.
+There remained Maubranne and Peleton, either of whom would kill me
+without scruple, but that very night the baron had interfered to save
+my life!  Once more I was forced back on the mystery attached to his
+words.  What was it the Abbe proposed to do with me?  Buzz! buzz! buzz!
+The question hummed in my head till I was nearly wild.  It went with me
+to bed, it kept me awake half the night, and was the first thing I was
+conscious of in the morning.
+
+Directly after breakfast, I hurried to the Luxembourg to take counsel
+with Raoul.  He was on duty, but young D'Arcy, observing my agitation,
+volunteered to relieve him.
+
+"What is it?" asked my comrade anxiously.  "Has anything happened?
+Here, come into this room where we shall not be interrupted."
+
+Without delay I plunged into the story, telling him first of the
+mysterious spy in the Rue Crillon, the encounter with Peleton, and
+Maubranne's strange action and words.
+
+"Well, my friend," said he, "you have an adventure on hand now that
+ought to keep your time fairly occupied!  I don't understand it in the
+least, but it is plain you have become an important person.  There is
+one thing I would like to know, but don't answer if you would rather
+not.  Are you in Mazarin's secrets?"
+
+"I have heard nothing of the Cardinal since my visit to Aunay."
+
+"Then that notion falls to the ground.  I thought De Retz might imagine
+you could give him some useful information.  And yet, I don't know.
+People say he is already in the Queen's confidence."
+
+"Well," I remarked, "if the first chapter is exciting, what do you
+think of the second?" and I showed him the warning note, which he read
+with a strangely puzzled air.
+
+"Where did this come from?" he asked, and I informed him, adding that
+the messenger was a total stranger whom I should be unable to recognise.
+
+"Still," said he, "it shows there is some one in the Abbe's confidence
+who wishes you well.  I wonder if it can be Madame de Chevreuse?  She
+is concerned with most of his plans."
+
+"I have not met her since the night of the ball and besides, this is a
+man's writing."
+
+"That can be accounted for easily; she employs several secretaries."
+
+I shook my head, saying Madame de Chevreuse was not likely to interest
+herself in my welfare.
+
+After walking about the room for a time, Raoul stopped and exclaimed,
+"Suppose we are looking at the matter from the wrong side?  How can you
+be certain this note comes from a friend?  It may be a trick to lure
+you away from Paris!"
+
+"If so, it will fail.  I will not leave the city for an hour, even were
+Turenne to offer me the command of a regiment."
+
+"Why not accept service with the Duke?  You would be in a much safer
+position."
+
+"No.  I will see this thing through alone.  I will not budge a foot for
+all the fighting priests in the country."
+
+"Don't be over venturesome.  De Retz is a crafty foe and is playing
+just now for high stakes.  If rumour speaks true, he is going to try a
+fall with Conde himself.  Now I must set Armand at liberty, but I will
+come to your rooms at the first opportunity.  Meanwhile, if you require
+help, a note will bring me instantly."
+
+I returned home still in a state of bewilderment.  The mystery was as
+dark as ever, and, cudgel my brains as I would, I could throw no light
+on it.
+
+That same evening I laid the case before John Humphreys, but naturally
+he was unable to offer any explanation.
+
+"Show me an enemy," said he, "and I will stand up against him, but I am
+a poor hand at fighting shadows.  However, it is plain enough that some
+one has marked you down, and you will have to walk warily."
+
+That, indeed, was the only advice any one could offer.  The thing which
+troubled me most at this time was the presence of the spy in the Rue
+Crillon.  The ladies apparently had not noticed him, so I said nothing
+to them, but continued to keep a strict watch on the mysterious
+stranger who night after night prowled about near their house.  What he
+expected to gain was difficult to imagine, as he neither followed
+Madame Coutance abroad nor attempted to molest her.  At first I thought
+him a clumsy fellow, but twice when I tried to catch him he vanished
+cleverly down the narrow streets.
+
+One evening, while strolling carelessly along the Rue Pierre, I met my
+cousin Henri.  He was wearing a long mantle with a hood, and appeared
+in a great hurry.  To my surprise, however, he stopped and exclaimed
+quite cordially, "Ah, cousin, you are a stranger!  I have not seen you
+for a long time.  I was sorry to hear of Peleton's mad prank.  Were you
+hurt?"
+
+"No," said I, rather shortly.
+
+"You are a lucky fellow, Albert.  For a lad from the country, you have
+done well.  _Peste!_  You have made quite a splash in the world, and I
+am proud of my cousin."
+
+"You do me great honour," said I, with a mocking bow.
+
+"Not more than you deserve.  By the way, is it true that you have
+joined Conde's party?"
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because you were with his mob when Madame Coutance behaved so
+stupidly."
+
+"I did my best to save a woman from being torn to pieces--nothing more."
+
+"It was very gallant of you," and then, as an afterthought, "so you
+still fancy there is a chance of Mazarin's return?"
+
+"There may be, or not.  I only know that I am pledged to assist him,
+and that the De Lalandes have been taught to keep their word."
+
+"Quite right!" returned Henri, gaily.  "Well, adieu, my faithful
+cousin!  Your constancy is touching, and I hope it may bring you good
+fortune, but of that I am doubtful," and, with a careless laugh, he
+hurried on.
+
+"Planning some fresh mischief!" I muttered, and dismissed the incident
+from my mind.
+
+Nearly a week had now passed since the receipt of the mysterious note,
+and nothing of consequence had happened.  Every day I went into the
+streets without disguise or attempt at concealment, and no one paid any
+attention to my doings.
+
+About this time the city was considerably agitated, and filled with all
+sorts of conflicting rumours.  Among other things it was hinted that
+Mazarin, having re-entered France, was marching at the head of a
+foreign army on Paris, with the avowed object of razing it to the
+ground.
+
+De Retz, laughing in his sleeve, went about attended by a numerous and
+well-armed retinue to protect him from being murdered; Conde followed
+his example, and the _petits maitres_ swaggered more than ever,
+especially when they met the friends of De Retz; at the Hotel Vendome,
+the Duke of Beaufort stayed in bed, having, according to rumour, been
+poisoned; while Gaston of Orleans was popularly supposed to have joined
+four separate plots in one day, and betrayed them all to the Queen
+before night.  Thus far, however, nothing serious had resulted from
+these wonderful doings, and I was chiefly concerned with my own private
+affairs.
+
+"It seems to me," I said to Raoul one night, as we walked together
+toward the Rue Crillon, "that we have been making a mountain out of a
+mole-hill.  More than a week has passed now since the warning, and I am
+none the worse."
+
+"Yet the spy still keeps watch?"
+
+"He was there last night, but I could not get near him.  Perhaps you
+may have better luck."
+
+The man was in his usual place, and I pointed him out to Raoul,
+whispering, "That is he.  Are you acquainted with him?"
+
+"No.  He belongs to the class that either De Retz or Conde can buy by
+the dozen.  Don't look that way.  Let us cross the road.  I will slip
+through this alley and enter the street at the other end; then we shall
+have him between us."
+
+Unfortunately for our purpose the fellow was particularly wide-awake,
+and as Raoul appeared at the corner he moved away.  Following
+cautiously, we kept him in sight for a good distance, but finally he
+disappeared in a maze of alleys.
+
+"_Peste!_" exclaimed my comrade, discontentedly, "he is an artful
+rascal.  If we could catch him he might be able to tell us all we want
+to learn.  There must be some reason for his actions.  Is he always
+alone?"
+
+"Always."
+
+"We must set a trap for him."
+
+"Let me try once more by myself.  I dislike the idea of being beaten by
+a spy."
+
+"As you will; and if you fail, I will borrow some troopers from the
+Luxembourg and lay him by the heels.  At all events the fellow will
+know who pays him."
+
+The next night I set off for the Rue Crillon, and, after spending an
+hour or two with Marie and her aunt, went back into the street.  My
+man, as usual, was in full view, and it appeared to me, rather overdid
+his part, as if he was anxious to attract my attention.
+
+However, there was not much leisure for reflection, and I walked
+quickly and boldly towards him, when he immediately made off.  Angry at
+being baulked so often, and determined to discover his business, I
+followed sharply, and nearly caught him at the bottom of the narrow
+street running at right angles to the Rue Crillon.  A stupid
+charcoal-burner lost me my advantage here, but perceiving which way the
+spy went I hurried on in the same direction.
+
+For half an hour I patiently tracked my quarry, through a network of
+narrow streets and alleys crossing and re-crossing each other like an
+Eastern puzzle.  By this time I was hopelessly astray, never having
+been in that quarter, which was one of the worst in the city.  Under
+other circumstances I should have feared to trust myself in those
+horrible courts, but now I did not even remember the danger.
+
+Presently the spy himself seemed doubtful as to which turning to take.
+He stood a moment in apparent hesitation, but, finding me close on his
+heels, darted as if at random up a narrow entrance.  It was a
+_cul-de-sac_ containing perhaps half a dozen houses, and I chuckled
+inwardly on finding how completely he had trapped himself.  I could not
+have desired a better place for my purpose.  The court was very quiet;
+the houses were old and dilapidated, and the inmates had either gone to
+bed or had not returned from their nightly wanderings.  We two had a
+clear stage to ourselves.
+
+The man was a regular coward after all.  He looked this way and that
+with frightened eyes, ran on a few paces as if hoping to find a way
+out, came back, and finally made a dash to get past me.
+
+"Oh, ho, not so fast, my good fellow!" I cried, barring his path.
+"Where are you going in such a hurry?"
+
+"I have lost my way, monsieur," he answered in a whining voice.
+
+"How strange!  So have I!  We may as well keep each other company.
+Don't look like that, I am not going to hurt you."
+
+"I feared monsieur meant to kill me," he whimpered.
+
+"Bah!  I only want a little information, which will be well paid for.
+Are you willing to earn ten crowns?"
+
+"Ten crowns, monsieur?  Certainly."
+
+"Then tell me what you do in the Rue Crillon and who pays you?  Answer
+these questions and here are the ten crowns."
+
+"And if not, monsieur?" said he, still whining like a beggar.
+
+"If not it will be the worse for you.  Quick, make your choice, I
+cannot stay here for ever."
+
+It was the rascal's turn now to laugh, as some one, throwing a heavy
+mantle over my head, tripped me up violently.
+
+"His sword, quick!  Take it away!  Tie his arms firmly; he is a mad
+bull for fighting.  Now his pistols, Francois, you fat pig!  Softly
+monsieur!  Tap him on the head if he struggles.  Are you ready, Pierre?
+What a time! are your fingers in knots?  Now, monsieur, your
+choice--will you come quietly or must we use force?"
+
+I lay on the ground half dazed and only partly understanding the
+fellow's meaning, so, to awaken my interest he repeated his questions,
+pressing one of my own pistols to my head.
+
+"Take that thing away," I said, "and help me to my feet.  You have the
+upper hand at present."
+
+Laughing mischievously, he withdrew the weapon, and his companions,
+pushing me upright, half led, half dragged me into one of the
+dilapidated houses.  We ascended a flight of stairs, went along a
+narrow passage, and so into a room which had been prepared for my
+reception.
+
+At least, that was the conclusion I arrived at when two of the men
+having gone out, the third said, "Monsieur, there is a bed of straw in
+the corner, the door is bolted, the window barred, and I am going to
+keep watch inside all night, while Pierre and Francois relieve each
+other outside the door."
+
+I could not see the speaker, as the room was in darkness, but his voice
+sounded familiar, and I tried, but in vain, to remember where I had
+heard it before.  However, this did not matter, so I lay down on the
+straw, and wondered what the adventure meant.
+
+Who were my gaolers, and what did they intend to do with me?  Presently
+Maubranne's words flashed into my mind, and set me thinking that this
+might be a move in the plot at which the mysterious note hinted.  Just
+how De Retz could make use of me I had not the faintest notion, but he
+was a clever schemer, and had, presumably, laid his plans carefully.
+However, as no amount of speculation on this head would improve
+matters, I began to reflect on the best way of escape.  My arms were
+tightly bound, the door was well secured, the window barred, and a
+gaoler, wide-awake and armed, sat between me and it.  Altogether the
+prospect was far from cheering.
+
+"Sleep will perhaps bring counsel," I muttered, and, turning on my
+side, I dozed off into a light, restless slumber.
+
+With the coming of day I was able to make an inspection of my new
+abode.  The room was small, dirty, out of repair, and destitute of
+furniture.  In the corner opposite to mine was another heap of straw,
+and on it sat the man whom long ago I had gagged and bound in the
+chamber at La Boule d'Or, and who afterwards was my companion from
+Aunay to Paris.  Perceiving that I recognised him, the rascal showed
+his teeth in a broad grin, and exclaimed, "The wheel has turned,
+monsieur!  It seems that we have changed parts."
+
+"And you are uppermost this time," I answered, striving to speak
+good-humouredly, for it is a bad plan to quarrel with one's gaoler.
+
+Rising and taking a turn round the room, Pillot stood still at my side.
+
+"Listen to me, monsieur," said he.  "Some months ago I lost the game to
+you and you acted like a lad of honour.  When your own life was in
+danger you remembered me, and I am still grateful.  Now let me give you
+a friendly warning.  Of course, you are planning to get away.  Abandon
+the idea, as you cannot escape alive.  There is an armed man beneath
+the window, while Pierre or Francois will knock you on the head without
+the least hesitation.  We all have our orders."
+
+"_Merci!_  It is just as well to know what one has to expect.  Do the
+orders include starving your prisoner?"
+
+"Here comes Francois in reply to the question; but you must pass your
+word not to take advantage if I unbind you."
+
+After a moment's reflection I gave the required promise, upon which
+Pillot untied my arms, and then, opening the door, admitted Francois,
+who carried the food.
+
+"Here is breakfast, monsieur," said the dwarf, making an elaborate bow.
+"It is not as good as the supper we enjoyed together in the village
+inn, but Francois has not had much experience in the character of host.
+Later on he will doubtless acquit himself better."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Under Watch and Ward.
+
+As soon as breakfast ended my arms were bound again, and Francois took
+his departure, leaving me with Pillot, who could not conceal his
+amusement at my plight.
+
+"Pardon me, monsieur," said he laughing, "it is comical!  You expected
+to trap Francois, and behold, you are caught yourself!"
+
+I tried to look at the rascal sternly, but the humour of the thing
+tickled me so, that I joined in the laugh myself.  Truly I had gone out
+for wool, and should return shorn!
+
+"Tell me," said I presently, "am I forbidden to ask questions?"
+
+"Why, no!  Indeed it would be impossible to stop monsieur, unless a gag
+were placed in his mouth," and thinking, probably, of the incident at
+La Boule d'Or, he showed his teeth in a broad grin.
+
+"A truce to your mummery," I cried; "will you answer my questions?"
+
+"I do not remember that monsieur has asked any?"
+
+"Well, here is one.  How long am I to be kept in this den?"
+
+"It is impossible to say precisely, but monsieur will not continue to
+occupy this apartment for more than a day or two."
+
+"A day or two?"  I thought my ears must have played me false.  Noticing
+my surprise, he added, "Monsieur will have done his part by that time."
+
+"What will happen then?"
+
+"Ah!" said he, shrugging his shoulders and raising his eyes, "who can
+tell?  We are all in the hands of Providence."
+
+"True, my friend, but I am also in the hands of De Retz, which is
+hardly as pleasant.  It seems that I have suddenly become a person of
+some consequence!"
+
+"Sufficiently important to have made many enemies, monsieur!"
+
+"De Retz among them?"
+
+"Chut! no; he would be pleased to call you his friend.  I was thinking
+of personal enemies like M. Peleton and the Baron Maubranne.  The Abbe
+and M. de Lalande will only use you for the good of the Cause; but I
+distrust the others."
+
+"The good of the Cause?  You speak in riddles, my friend!"
+
+"It is necessary, monsieur; as it is, I have spoken too much."
+
+"But you will answer one other question?  Why did that wretched
+Francois prowl about the Rue Crillon?"
+
+Pillot burst into a peal of such merry laughter that I thought he would
+be choked, and it was long before he could reply.
+
+"Pardon me, monsieur," he exclaimed at length, "but really the joke was
+excellent.  Francois acted the spy only when you were about; and simply
+to attract your attention.  He was the bait, and you--pardon the
+expression--were the fish, though I, for one, did not expect to see you
+landed so easily."
+
+Pillot's explanation made the affair a trifle plainer, and showed how
+foolishly I had acted.  Instead of being a stupid dolt, this Francois
+was really a clever fellow, who had tricked me admirably.  My cheeks
+burned as I saw what a dupe I had been.  As a matter of fact, he could
+have slipped away at any moment, instead of which he had purposely
+lured me on.  His hesitation at the corner of the _cul-de-sac_, his
+apparent attempt to dash past me, his whining answers, all had their
+purpose, and, while I reckoned myself master of the situation, Pillot
+and the third man were creeping out of their hiding-places.  Truly, I
+had myself been a stupid dolt!
+
+Still there was one point which puzzled me, and I asked Pillot why the
+fellow waited so long before playing his trick.
+
+"Francois obeys orders," he replied.  "It would not have suited our
+purpose to have shut you up before last night."
+
+This sounded mysterious, but Pillot would not enlighten me further, and
+alone I could make nothing of it.  Except on one point, the dwarf
+talked freely enough, and was a very agreeable gaoler.  A true child of
+Paris, he knew the city well, and having been mixed up in all sorts of
+adventures, was able to relate numerous startling stories.  The time
+passed pleasantly enough till about eleven o'clock, when he went away,
+and his place was taken by the man called Pierre.
+
+At first I was rather glad of the change, imagining this fellow might
+be more simple, as indeed he was; so simple, in fact, that he knew
+nothing.  He was a short man with a massive head, thick neck, broad
+shoulders, and limbs like those of a gladiator.  He sniffed
+contemptuously at the pistols which Pillot had left, but handled a huge
+iron-shod club lovingly, and on being spoken to, grunted like a pig.
+Sitting on the straw, he laid the club beside him, and, having cleared
+a space, produced a dice-box and dice, with which he played left hand
+against right.
+
+After watching this monotonous game for half-an-hour, and finding
+Pierre absolutely deaf to my questions, I turned my face to the wall
+and tried to think.  Pillot's conversation had explained many things,
+but unfortunately it threw no light on the reason for my imprisonment.
+He had not denied that De Retz was the man behind the curtain, but what
+was it the Abbe wished me to do?
+
+The more I puzzled the more mysterious the affair looked.  I invented a
+thousand reasons, all more or less fantastic and absurd, till my mind
+grew wearied with thinking.  Meanwhile, Pierre sat on his heap of straw
+calmly playing his ridiculous game, calling out the numbers as the dice
+fell, but keenly alive to the slightest sound.
+
+Thus miserably the afternoon wore away; the room grew dark; Pierre
+packed up his dice, and, walking to the barred window, peered into the
+darkness.  I wondered whether Raoul or John Humphreys had called at my
+rooms, and if so, what they would think of my sudden disappearance.
+
+Presently, I heard the sound of approaching footsteps; the door was
+unfastened, and Pillot entered with a couple of candles stuck in broken
+bottles, which only served to make the place more dreary than before.
+Then Francois followed with some supper, and after he and Pierre had
+departed, my gaoler did the honours of the table--or rather the
+floor--like a generous host bent on pleasing his guest to the utmost.
+
+He was rather excited, and talked so freely that I hoped to worm some
+information out of him, but the rascal guarded his tongue well, only
+letting fall a hint that we might take a long journey on the following
+night.  Still I gathered from his air of mystery, and the importance he
+displayed, that the plot--whatever its nature--was rapidly ripening.
+
+"Now, monsieur," he observed, when we had finished supper, "I shall
+leave you to the care of Francois.  Remember my warning, and do not
+attempt to escape, because it is useless.  If all goes well we shall be
+able to provide you with better accommodation in a day or two.
+Meanwhile, you have only to enjoy yourself, and to thank the kind
+friends who are keeping you out of mischief."
+
+Having finished this pretty speech he took his departure, the door was
+fastened, and Francois began his watch for the night.  Afraid, perhaps,
+of falling asleep, he stalked up and down the room, stopping
+occasionally beside my bed to hope that monsieur found himself well.
+Francois was more polished than Pierre, and certainly replied to my
+questions.  Only, whatever I asked, he answered, "I am truly sorry,
+monsieur, but I do not know."
+
+The fellow might have been a talking bird that had been taught to
+repeat but one sentence.  As a last effort I offered him a heavy bribe
+for his information, but he was too honest to betray his trust, or,
+which was just as probable, he had no wares of any marketable value.
+
+I slept that night by fits and starts, but whether asleep or awake my
+mind was filled with omens of evil.  What was happening in the outside
+world?  Again and again I asked the question without finding any answer.
+
+Spurred on by my fears, I began to dream of escape, but the adventure
+was so absolutely impossible that I had to abandon the idea.  My arms
+were tightly bound; Francois walked up and down, ever watchful and
+alert, carrying his half pike; outside the door lay Pierre with his
+huge club, while Pillot was within call; and I had a suspicion that he
+was not the least capable of my gaolers.  No, it was evident that I
+must wait till a more favourable opportunity presented itself.
+
+I watched the earliest streaks of light streaming through the barred
+window, and, though it was summer time, I shivered with cold.  The dawn
+broadened, became morning; a few wandering sunbeams that had lost their
+way came peeping through the bars and cheered me, though their stay was
+brief.  Later, sounds of life arose outside; I heard Pierre's deep
+tones, followed by Pillot's milder ones, and presently the door was
+opened.
+
+Now, had my arms been free at this moment I would have made a dash for
+liberty, in spite of Pierre's club and Pillot's pistols, but, in the
+circumstances, it was madness to think of such a venture; so I lay
+still.  Francois by now was almost too sleepy to walk straight, and
+Pillot, bright, fresh, alert as a bird, entered on the duties of gaoler.
+
+The prisoner who feeds with his keeper is not likely to starve, and I
+certainly cannot accuse my captors of being niggardly in the matter of
+food.  On this particular morning Pillot was too agitated to eat; twice
+he jumped up and walked to the window; indeed, but for my exertions,
+the breakfast would have been removed untasted.  As it chanced, my
+appetite remained good, and, in view of the possible journey, I ate for
+both.
+
+Only once during the day did Pillot leave the room, and then his place
+was taken by Pierre, who, in less than three minutes, was deep in his
+usual game of throwing the dice, left hand against right.  To do the
+villain justice, however, he did not neglect his duty.  His eyes were
+upon me frequently, while at the slightest stir, he turned quick as
+lightning, one hand grasping his ponderous club.
+
+Toward the middle of the afternoon Pillot returned, and kept me company
+for the remainder of the day.  He was deeply excited, and as the
+evening approached began to bubble over.  He would break off in the
+middle of a sentence, and, running to the window, listen intently,
+holding up his hand meanwhile for silence.  Francois, too, who came in
+once or twice, seemed equally agitated, but Pierre, I have no doubt,
+was calmly playing, interested chiefly in the result of his game.
+Perhaps he did not understand why the others were so anxious, or why
+they spoke to each other in low whispers!
+
+As for me, I soon became as deeply interested as Pillot.  Why did he
+listen at the window?  Did he expect to hear some pre-arranged signal,
+or the rattle of the carriage which was to bear me away?
+
+Once I nearly tricked him into betraying the secret.  He had dispatched
+Francois on some errand, and was pacing the room restlessly, when I
+said at a venture, and in a careless tone, "So the grand coup is to be
+made to-night?"
+
+"This very evening, monsieur!" and he rubbed his hands briskly.
+
+"It will cause an immense sensation?"
+
+"A sensation?  _Corbleu!_  There will be----"  He checked himself,
+looked at me slily, and finished by saying, "Ah, yes, monsieur, perhaps
+so."  Then he returned to the window to listen; so my attempt to catch
+him by surprise had failed.
+
+Another hour passed, Francois had returned, and the two stood talking
+rapidly but in such low tones that I could not catch a word.  To judge
+by their gestures, Francois was the bearer of fresh news, but whether
+good or evil I could not determine.  It was, however, evidently of
+considerable significance, and such as to astonish the dwarf.
+
+This secrecy and show of excitement played on my nerves.  I became
+restless and irritable, and chafed more and more at my confinement.
+Whatever was about to happen, I wished it was over and done with.
+
+The evening wore on, it became dusk, in an hour or two night would
+fall; but still, as far as I was concerned, there was no change.  The
+two men maintained their position at the window; but they no longer
+talked; it seemed as if they could only wait.  The silence became
+painful; there was not a sound in the half darkened room; I wondered if
+my gaolers had forgotten how to breathe.  I rustled the straw: they
+turned swiftly, and Pillot shook his head as if to reprove the action,
+but he did not speak.
+
+Presently Francois said something in a low whisper to his companion,
+and the dwarf in a sort of hoarse scream cried, "Be still.  It must be
+now, I tell you; it was all arranged this afternoon."
+
+After this neither of them spoke, but both stood still and motionless,
+till suddenly there came to our ears the sounds of hurrying footsteps
+in the street.  It was a relief to hear them, even if the runner had
+nothing to do with me.  They came nearer and nearer; the pace
+slackened; finally some one stopped beneath the window.  Evidently this
+was the man for whom my captors watched.  What news did he bring?
+Pillot himself could not have waited more anxiously than I did to hear
+the tidings.  I felt sure that in some mysterious way my fate hinged on
+the words of this unknown messenger.
+
+Very quietly I raised my head from the straw and listened with strained
+ears.  No sound save the heavy breathing of its occupants broke the
+stillness of the room.  At last I seemed likely to hear something which
+would afford a clue to the mystery; but here again I met with
+disappointment.  Only one word came from the man in the street, and I
+was scarcely wiser than before.
+
+"Failed!" he said, and immediately began to whistle the air of a
+popular song, which probably conveyed some information to the dwarf.
+
+Muttering savagely, Pillot ordered the messenger to bring the carriage
+round, and, turning to me, said more calmly, "Monsieur, the plot has
+miscarried, and you must leave Paris.  I cannot explain further, but
+you have no choice.  Come with me quietly, or----" and he raised his
+pistol.
+
+My head began to swim again.  The plot had failed!  What plot?  What
+had I to do with it?  Why should these people wish to carry me off?
+Afterwards, when the truth came out, the affair seemed simple, so
+simple, that I was ready to laugh at my own stupidity.  I tried to
+obtain some information, but Pillot stopped me promptly.  I had never
+seen him so thoroughly roused; he dug his nails viciously into the
+palms of his hands; his eyes looked like those of a hunted animal.
+
+"Quick!  There is no time to argue.  It is a case of life and death for
+you and me, and perhaps for many besides.  I wish you no harm,
+monsieur!  I will save your life if you will let me."
+
+"Set me free," said I, "and I will save my own."
+
+"I cannot do that--for the sake of others."
+
+Francois had disappeared, but Pierre was in the room, and he toyed
+nervously with his club.  I do not know how the dwarf would have acted,
+but there was no mistaking his companion's purpose.
+
+"An end to this," he exclaimed.  "Come, monsieur--or stay!" and he
+flourished his huge weapon threateningly.
+
+"It is best, monsieur; it is really best," cried the dwarf.  "Ah,
+_corbleu_, it is too late!  Listen!  There are the soldiers!  Oh,
+monsieur, what can I do?"
+
+"Bah!" said Pierre, raising his club, "it is his life or ours."
+
+At that moment Francois, whose face was livid with fear and passion,
+burst into the room.
+
+"Fly!" cried he, "fly, while you have the chance!"
+
+"Is it the soldiers?" asked Pillot.
+
+"No, worse!  Conde's ragamuffins, and they are yelling for M. de
+Lalande."
+
+At these words I was speechless with amazement, but Pillot cried, "The
+people?  Conde's mob, did you say, Francois?  Then there has been
+treachery.  This is Peleton's work; he wishes to find revenge and
+safety at one time.  Unbind the prisoner, Pierre.  Quick, you dolt!  I
+am no murderer, as M. Peleton will find.  Monsieur, I give you a chance
+of your life let what will come of it.  Francois, a sword!  Here,
+monsieur, this way, and the saints preserve us!"
+
+I was free and armed: the door was open; yet I had never stood so near
+death since my first coming to Paris.  From the terrible uproar one
+would have concluded that the inhabitants of every alley in the city
+had gathered outside.  The street door was being smashed by heavy
+blows, and, as I ran out on the landing, a fierce mob swarmed up the
+stairs, screaming, yelling, and shouting for De Lalande.
+
+There was no time to ask questions or even to think.  Carried away by
+passion, the people were thirsting for my blood, though why, I could
+not imagine.  Was this a part of the plot too?  What did it all mean?
+No one had ever called me a coward, but at that moment my limbs
+trembled, and perspiration oozed from every pore.  The cries of the mob
+were more awful than the roar of some savage beast.
+
+"Quick!" cried Pillot, "it is an affair of seconds," and then every
+sound was drowned in a fierce shout of "Where is he?  Death to the
+assassin!  Kill them all!"
+
+"No, no," exclaimed one voice, louder than the rest, "the others may be
+honest folk!  Only one came in.  I saw him!  I shall know him!  You can
+tell him by his gay dress!"
+
+"That is Peleton, the scoundrel!" said Pillot "If you are killed now,
+he will be safe," and the dwarf hurried me along.
+
+With bull-dog courage Pierre and Francois stood at the head of the
+stairs, demanding to know why their house was invaded, and denying that
+any one had recently entered.
+
+"A lie!  A lie!" shouted Peleton from lower down.  "I chased him all
+the way, and saw him enter here!"
+
+"Stand aside," commanded a second man, "and let us search the house, or
+it will be the worse for you!"
+
+Pierre and Francois were both sturdy fellows, but they could not have
+held the stairway long, and besides, why should they sacrifice their
+lives for me?
+
+From where we were the mob was out of sight, and we could not perceive
+what was going on, but it seemed as if they hesitated, when suddenly
+the cry of "The soldiers" was raised.  Then, making his final effort,
+Peleton urged the mob on with renewed shouts of "Kill the assassin!"
+
+At the end of the passage three steps led down to a room, the door of
+which was locked, but Pillot possessed the key.  We could hear the
+crowd rushing up the stairs and on to the landing; another moment and
+we should be too late, but my companion, who had recovered from his
+nervousness, succeeded in opening the door.
+
+"The window!" he exclaimed, pushing me forward.  "Quick!  I will put up
+the bars and follow."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+I become a Prisoner of the Bastille.
+
+I ran across the room and then stopped suddenly: it was a cowardly
+action to leave the man to face my enemies alone!
+
+"Fly, monsieur, fly!" he implored.
+
+"Not I, Pillot, until we can go together.  You have stood by me, I will
+stand by you.  The bars are up?  Good!  That will delay them a moment.
+Can we move this chest?  Take one end and we will try.  _Ma foi!_
+'twill be quite a war of the barricades!  Now this table.  'Tis heavy!
+So much the better.  Here they come!"
+
+With a roar the mob swept along the landing.  Our door, which was
+strong and massive, withstood for a time their heaviest blows.
+
+"Now, monsieur, the window!" cried Pillot; "the barricade will soon be
+down.  This way.  _Peste!_" and he uttered a groan.
+
+In the excitement he had forgotten, and I had not noticed, that the
+window was barred.
+
+"We have trapped ourselves, M. de Lalande!" he exclaimed bitterly.
+"There is no way out!"
+
+"Chut!  The bars will break," said I, clambering to the ledge, and
+grasping the middle one; but it was very thick and firmly fixed.
+
+The roar of the mob outside doubled my energy; I pulled and tugged with
+all my might, skinning my hands in the effort.  Hammer, bang, crash!
+behind me.  How long would our defences stand?  Would the soldiers
+arrive in time?  Would the bar never loosen?  Surely it was giving!
+Yes!  I could have shouted aloud in triumph--it was yielding!  Another
+wrench would be sufficient!  Oh, for the strength of twenty men!  Now!
+
+A yell of joy and a groan of despair announced that I was too late.
+The door was down, the table overturned, the room was filled with the
+howling mob.  They were headed by two men, one dressed as a
+charcoal-burner, the other as a mason.  Each, however, carried a good
+sword, and in spite of their disguises I recognised them as Maubranne
+and Peleton.
+
+"There he is!" cried the baron pointing to me, and again the appalling
+shouts of "Kill the assassin!" were raised.
+
+For these poor deluded people, led away by such scoundrels, I felt only
+a deep pity, but my anger rose hot against Maubranne and Peleton.  Why
+did they call me assassin?  Why endeavour to take my life and to
+blacken my good name at the same time?
+
+At the last pinch Peleton hung behind, but the baron, who did not lack
+courage, advanced, and the mob followed with a hideous roar.  Do not
+imagine that I wish to set myself up for a hero.  At that terrible
+moment I had no thought of anything, and what I did was done almost
+unconsciously.
+
+Maubranne came first, while behind him waved a forest of clubs and
+staves.  I saw in his eyes that he intended to kill me, and, rendered
+desperate by fear, I leaped at him, plunging my sword into his breast.
+He dropped heavily, and for the moment an intense hush fell on the
+startled crowd.  As if by inspiration I saw my one chance and seized it
+eagerly.
+
+"Citizens!" I cried, gazing boldly on the sea of angry faces, "that man
+lied to you.  He is no charcoal-burner, but the Baron Maubranne,
+Conde's bitterest enemy.  I am ignorant of what has happened in Paris.
+Two nights ago this Maubranne set a trap for me and shut me up here."
+
+"That is true," exclaimed Pillot.  "Maubranne was the plotter, this lad
+is innocent; he does not even guess why you wish to kill him!"
+
+Would they believe?  Was it possible?  My heart almost ceased beating
+as I gazed at the fierce faces.  The weapons were lowered.  Staring at
+each other dubiously, the men hesitated, and I breathed more freely.  I
+had forgotten Peleton, who, safe behind the human screen, cried
+savagely, "Kill the murderer!  Down with the assassin!"
+
+That served his purpose better than the finest argument.  Heated by
+passion the people thought no more of the dead charcoal-burner but only
+of his slayer, and made a movement to surround me.  My last hope had
+failed, but I stood on guard, my one regret being that the cowardly
+Peleton would not trust himself within reach of my sword.
+
+Now, however, another sound mingled with the shouts of the populace,
+and a swift glance showed that the soldiers were forcing a passage into
+the crowded room.
+
+"Make way there!" exclaimed the leader in a tone of authority.  "In the
+King's name!  Drop that pike, you rascal, or I'll run you through.
+Where is this M. de Lalande?"
+
+At first it appeared certain that there would be a terrible conflict
+between the mob and the soldiers, but the officer, by a lucky hit, not
+only saved my life--at least for the time--but cajoled the crowd into
+good humour.
+
+"Is this the fellow who slew Conde?" he asked, to which came an
+answering chorus of "Yes, yes!  Down with the murderer!"
+
+Until that moment I had no idea what my supposed crime was, and the
+officer's question filled me with horror.  Conde dead! and I charged
+with murder!  It seemed monstrous, impossible.  But the officer was
+speaking, and I must try to understand.
+
+"Do you want all who were in the plot punished?" and again there broke
+out an assenting yell.
+
+"Then let me remove this lad, you imbeciles!  If you knock him on the
+head now, it will be all over: while, if he is imprisoned, the
+authorities will soon discover his accomplices."
+
+This suggestion met with a torrent of applause, and the ruffians
+offered no further resistance to the soldiers, who, forming in a body,
+marched me downstairs into the court where they had left their horses.
+I was immediately placed on one and firmly bound; the troopers mounted,
+the officer issued his orders, and we set off accompanied by the mob.
+
+The city was in a state of seething excitement, which increased
+wherever our procession came in view.  The people, pouring from the
+houses in thousands, blocked the roads until they became almost
+impassable, and the leader of the horsemen was in despair.  Every one
+wished to see the wretch who had murdered Conde, and numbers shook
+their fists at me and cried, "Kill the assassin!"
+
+Some, however, regarded me as a martyr, and angry cries against the
+soldiers, mingled with shouts of "Down with Conde!" began to be heard.
+At one spot in particular a determined rush was made by a number of
+burly ruffians directed by a little man from the window of a corner
+house.  I recognised my late gaoler, Pillot, and was glad that he had
+escaped, though much afraid that his attempted rescue would only make
+the authorities more certain of my guilt.
+
+Two or three soldiers were knocked over, but the rush was stayed, and
+after this the friends of De Retz, for such I concluded them to be,
+confined their attention chiefly to threats.  Still the danger of an
+outbreak was considerable, and the officer in charge, fearful of the
+consequences, decided to convey me to the Bastille.
+
+By riding through the less frequented streets, and breaking into a trot
+wherever such a course was possible, we gradually drew ahead of our
+undesirable escort, and at length turned into the famous avenue.
+Throughout the journey I had anxiously scanned the faces of the
+multitude, hoping to see Raoul, or D'Arcy, or my English friend, John
+Humphreys.  But I had not recognised a single acquaintance, and now my
+heart sank as we halted before the first massive gate, guarded by
+sentries.
+
+As soon as the drawbridge was lowered, we crossed to the court where
+the Governor's house was situated, and the officer, dismounting,
+entered, reappearing in a few minutes with the order for my admission
+into the fortress.  Escorted by two prison officials, I walked up the
+narrow avenue to the second drawbridge, passed the guard-house, and
+stood in the wide court, while the ponderous gates clanged behind me,
+as if shutting out all hope.
+
+"La Calotte de la Baziniere," said one, and the other, bidding me
+follow, ascended to the highest storey of the nearest tower, and
+unlocked the door of a room into which I entered--a prisoner of the
+Bastille!
+
+The turnkey swung his lantern around, hoped--rather sarcastically to my
+thinking--that I should be comfortable, relocked the door, then the
+outer door, and I was left, not simply alone and in darkness, but
+beyond the reach of human hearing.  Stumbling across the room, I lay
+down on a mattress and endeavoured to account for the events of the
+last two days.
+
+From a few words let fall by the officer, it appeared that some one had
+killed, or attempted to kill, the prince, and I had been arrested as
+the assassin.  That the plot was hatched by the Abbe's party I had
+learned from Pillot, though, as it afterwards appeared, no one intended
+anything more serious than kidnapping Conde and shutting him up in a
+safe place.
+
+Now, in an enterprise of this daring nature, the actual leader was
+likely to be my cousin Henri, and working from this I began to piece
+together a very tolerable story, which after events proved not to have
+been far wrong.  My previous adventures had proved how easy it was to
+mistake me for my cousin, and on this point the conspiracy hinged.  If
+the plot succeeded, well and good; if not, it was necessary to show
+that the Abbe's party had nothing to do with the affair.
+
+I was well known as a devoted _Masarin_, and it was no secret that the
+Cardinal, though banished, still communicated with his friends in the
+capital.  What more likely then, than that the attempt on Conde's life
+was made by _Masarins_?  And if so, who more likely to lead it than the
+penniless youth who had refused point-blank to join any of the other
+parties?  Mazarin, it would be asserted, must have left me in Paris for
+this very purpose.
+
+Then again the crafty plotters had so arranged that everything would
+fit neatly into place.  It could easily be proved that I had suddenly
+disappeared and remained in hiding till the appointed night, when,
+having failed in my object, I had hurriedly and secretly left the city.
+This, I concluded, was the outline of the plot, but De Retz and my
+cousin had not made allowance for the cowardly treachery of Maubranne
+and Peleton.
+
+These worthies, by both of whom I had the honour of being much hated,
+had worked out a different, and to them, a much more satisfactory
+ending.  If Conde's assassin could be caught, red-handed as it were,
+and slain by the angry people, there would be an end to the business.
+For this purpose they had conducted the mob to my prison, but the
+speedy arrival of the soldiers had upset their plans; Maubranne was
+dead, and I lay on a mattress in La Calotte de la Baziniere.
+
+"_Peste!_" I exclaimed irritably, "I have intrigued myself into an ugly
+mess.  This comes of being too clever.  What will they do with me, I
+wonder?"
+
+The situation was indeed serious.  With the exception of Raoul, D'Arcy,
+and John Humphreys, I had no friends, and these three could do little.
+De Retz would naturally use all his powerful influence to prove my
+guilt, and as likely as not I should be condemned without a trial.  As
+far as I could judge the future did not look particularly bright.
+
+As soon as dawn came straggling through the window I rose and peered
+about me.  The room arched to support the roof, and only in the middle
+was it possible to stand upright.  It contained but one window, having,
+both outside and inside, double iron gratings.  The furniture consisted
+of a worm-eaten chair, a table with a leg broken, an empty jug, a
+mattress, and two flagstones on which in cold weather a fire could be
+built.
+
+Raoul once told me of a man who had escaped from the Bastille, but I
+fancy he could not have been lodged in my cell.  I could tell by the
+window that the walls were tremendously thick, while the door was of
+iron, and fastened on the outside by massive bolts.  Still I was not
+altogether discouraged, and, dragging the table beneath the aperture, I
+climbed to the top.  Crash! I had forgotten the broken leg, and fell to
+the ground, wrecking the table and giving myself a considerable shock.
+
+After that I lay down again on the mattress till about nine o'clock, as
+near as I could judge, when there was a noise outside as of bolts being
+withdrawn, and the turnkey entered the room with my breakfast.  He was
+a short, sturdy man, somewhat after the build of Pierre, but with a
+more intelligent face.
+
+"Monsieur has met with an accident?" he said, gazing with a grin at the
+ruined table.
+
+"I knocked the wretched thing over."
+
+"Ah, it was not meant for monsieur's weight," he laughed, and putting
+the breakfast on the ground, contrived to prop the table up.
+
+"There," he exclaimed triumphantly, "now it will serve, but I would
+advise monsieur not to place it in a draught, it may catch cold."
+
+Guessing that he understood what had happened, I said, "I wished to get
+a view of the scenery; there is little to look at inside.  The
+Bastille, or at least the prisoner's part of it, is not pretty."
+
+"It is strong, monsieur, and one cannot have everything.  Has monsieur
+learned that the prince was not hurt."
+
+"No," I cried briskly, "tell me all about it."
+
+"There is not much to tell beyond the fact that monsieur missed his
+aim."
+
+"What!  Do you really believe it was I who shot at Conde?"
+
+"Monsieur is certainly very young for such a deed," he replied, shaking
+his head solemnly, and with this evasive answer he took his departure,
+bolting and barring the door behind him.
+
+In the evening he returned, but this time I had no word with him, as he
+was accompanied by the officer of the rounds and several soldiers.  The
+officer gave me a casual glance, searched the cell carefully--though
+what he expected to find I cannot imagine--shrugged his shoulders,
+ordered the turnkey to fasten the door, and presently I heard the tramp
+of their feet along the corridor.
+
+Several weary days dragged by in this manner.  The turnkey regularly
+brought my meals, and sometimes in the morning stayed for a few
+minutes' gossip, but with this exception I was left alone.
+
+One morning, contrary to the usual custom, he was attended by four
+soldiers, who stood at attention while I ate my breakfast.  As soon as
+the meal was finished, the gaoler directed me to follow him, and,
+escorted by the soldiers, I descended the massive staircase shut in on
+each storey by ponderous double doors, crossed the wide court, ascended
+another staircase, and so into a large room known as the Council
+Chamber.
+
+Here four men sat at a table, and one--an ugly, weazened fellow dressed
+as a councillor--ordered me to stand before them.  Then the soldiers
+retired well out of earshot, and the examination began.  First of all
+the councillor asked a number of questions concerning my age, name,
+family, and estate, one of his colleagues writing down the answers as I
+gave them.  Then followed a long harangue on the infamy of my crime,
+after which the speaker implored me to make a full confession, and to
+throw myself on Conde's mercy.
+
+"Not," he exclaimed, "that we require your confession; these proofs are
+too clear," and, noticing my start of surprise, added coolly, "listen,
+and then say if I am not right."
+
+Turning the papers slowly over one by one he read the heads of a mass
+of evidence which his agents had collected, evidence so clear and
+convincing that, on hearing it, I almost believed myself guilty.  It
+began by describing me as a penniless lad, who, having come to Paris to
+seek my fortune, had taken service with Mazarin as a secret agent; and
+all my doings with the Cardinal were carefully noted down.
+
+For this I was prepared, but the next paragraph brought the blood to my
+face with a rush.  It stated that, having discovered Madame Coutance
+was a friend of Conde, I had struck up an acquaintanceship with her for
+the purpose of worming out the secrets of his party.
+
+"That is false!" I cried hotly.
+
+"Softly, my friend, softly!" exclaimed the weazened little councillor,
+"we will hear your remarks at another time and in another place," and
+he continued calmly with his reading.
+
+The third stage showed how cleverly the conspirators had laid their
+plans.  Numerous witnesses had met me going towards that part of the
+town where I was afterwards discovered in hiding, and they all affirmed
+that I acted as if not wishing to be recognised.  This, of course, I
+could not deny, as many people must have noticed me when chasing the
+crafty Francois.
+
+"We are ready to prove these things against you, monsieur, and more
+also," said the councillor.  "For instance, there are the names of two
+men who saw you take a prominent part in the attack on the carriage and
+afterwards run away.  Now, will you confess?"
+
+"I am innocent, monsieur."
+
+"What an absurdity!  Must we then put you to the question?"
+
+"It is needless, monsieur; I am speaking the truth."
+
+"You are obstinate," he exclaimed, screwing up his little eyes, "but a
+turn or two on the rack will alter that.  Come now, will you deny that
+you are a spy of Mazarin's?"
+
+"Certainly, monsieur.  It is true that I am in the Cardinal's service,
+but I have heard no word from him since he left Paris."
+
+"Are you acquainted with Madame Coutance?"
+
+"Yes, she is a friend of mine."
+
+"Good!  I thought we should arrive at the truth.  Now, will you explain
+how you came to be in the house where the soldiers found you?"
+
+"It is a strange story, monsieur, and says little for my sense, but you
+shall hear it," and I related how cunningly Francois had lured me into
+the arms of his fellow-plotters.
+
+"Pah!" exclaimed the councillor, wrinkling up his forehead, "that is a
+child's invention.  You cannot expect us to believe such a tale."
+
+"Still it is true, monsieur."
+
+For nearly an hour longer the councillor continued putting all sorts of
+questions concerning Mazarin's plans, none of which I could answer.  My
+silence made him very angry, and at last he exclaimed in a passion,
+"Take him away.  I warrant we shall soon find a means of loosing his
+tongue."
+
+The soldiers formed up and I was marched across the courtyard, where
+several prisoners who were not confined to their cells assembled to
+watch me pass.  I gazed at them eagerly, but they were all strangers
+who only regarded me as a prisoner in a far worse plight than
+themselves.
+
+"Courage, monsieur," whispered the gaoler, as the soldiers turned back
+from my cell, "we all have our misfortunes."
+
+He spoke in a kindly manner and I looked at him gratefully, for a
+prisoner has but few friends.  Then the door clanged, the bolts were
+pushed home, and I was left alone to reflect on the councillor's last
+words.  I had heard too much not to understand what he meant by finding
+a way to loose my tongue, and I instantly began to conjure up all kinds
+of horrible pictures.  However, it was useless going to meet trouble,
+so I endeavoured to banish the subject from my mind, and to think of my
+friends, Raoul, Marie, and the Englishman, who were doubtless wondering
+what had become of me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+Free!
+
+On the third night after my visit to the Council Chamber I was awakened
+from a sound sleep by some one shaking my arm.  Looking up and rubbing
+my eyes, I beheld the gaoler with a lantern in his hand bending over me.
+
+"Rise, monsieur, and dress quickly," said he.
+
+"Who wants me at this time of night?" I asked.
+
+"I do not know, monsieur.  I have my orders, and the soldiers are
+waiting at the foot of the stairs.  But courage, monsieur!"
+
+The tone in which the man spoke made me shiver.  It was plain that he
+expected the worst, and I immediately remembered the councillor's
+threats.  My heart beat quickly at the thought of the dreaded torture
+chamber, and my fingers trembled as I fastened my clothes.
+
+"Am I to be put on the rack?" I asked, but the gaoler, shaking his held
+slowly, replied that he knew nothing.
+
+"An officer of police brought an order signed by the Governor, but he
+would answer no questions.  If it should be so, confess everything,
+monsieur.  You are very young, and the rack--ah!"
+
+"Thanks, my friend, though I am sorry your advice will not help me.  I
+have already told the truth, and they would not believe it."
+
+"Say what they wish, monsieur!  Anything to escape the torture!  I have
+been in the chamber once, and it was horrible for a strong man even to
+look on.  And they are sure to get what they want in the end."
+
+"At all events I will bear up as long as I can!"
+
+"It is useless, monsieur, useless, I assure you," said he, as I
+finished dressing.
+
+We left the room, and, descending the stairway, found the soldiers
+drawn up at the bottom.
+
+"Albert de Lalande!" exclaimed their officer, and the next minute I was
+walking in the midst of my escort to the court, where a carriage stood
+in waiting.
+
+"Enter, monsieur," said the officer, who himself followed, while the
+troopers mounted their horses.
+
+I leaned my head against the back of the coach in a state of both
+wonder and relief.  Whatever else happened it seemed that I was not to
+be taken to the torture chamber.  The night was dark, but I could tell
+that we were leaving the Bastille.  Where were we going?  I addressed
+myself to the officer, but received only a curt "Silence!" in reply.
+
+Did they intend to execute me without further trial?  It might be
+so--more than one prisoner had been hurried from the Bastille in the
+darkness for that purpose.  Might was right in those days, and justice
+stood a poor chance of getting itself heard.
+
+I could not discover in what direction we drove, but the journey was
+long and apparently roundabout, perhaps in order to avoid attention.
+The officer sat rigidly upright, with his sword drawn, keeping keen
+watch and ward as if I had been a most desperate criminal.  There was,
+however, small chance of escape, even if I could overpower my guard.
+The soldiers rode on each side of the coach, and I should have been cut
+down instantly.
+
+At last the carriage stopped, the officer opened the door and ordered
+me to descend.  We had halted in front of a large building, which at
+first I failed to recognise.  Several armed men stood on the top-most
+step.
+
+"At least the place isn't a prison!" I concluded, as the officer
+hurried me to the entrance and along the corridor, while two of the
+gentlemen in waiting followed close behind.
+
+Nearly at the end, and on our right hand, was a door hung with rich
+tapestry.  Pushing the curtains aside, the officer knocked softly, and
+then ushered me into a large apartment furnished in the most sumptuous
+and magnificent manner.
+
+"Albert de Lalande, your Highness!" he announced, and I looked quickly
+at the man who stood up to receive me.
+
+This, then, must be the renowned Conde who had restored lustre to the
+French arms, though I held that the country had amply repaid the
+brilliant soldier for his skill and valour.  I was also one of those
+who believed that winning a battle did not place a man above the laws,
+nor give him the right to ride rough-shod over his fellows.  Still,
+Conde was a brilliant general, and certainly second to none save
+Turenne; while there were not wanting numerous flatterers who ranked
+the prince first.
+
+A thin man of average height it was who stood before me; firmly set,
+well-proportioned and muscular.  The Bourbon type was strongly marked
+in this member of the family--thick lips, large mouth, high and
+prominent cheek-bones.  He possessed a good brow, betokening
+intelligence, and sharp, keen, blue eyes that pierced through me.
+
+"Why, monsieur the assassin is scarcely more than a boy!" he exclaimed
+with a sneering laugh.
+
+"I am old enough not to be frightened, even by Louis de Bourbon!" said
+I, angry at his taunt.
+
+"_Parbleu!_  These are brave words from a prisoner of the Bastille!
+The Governor feeds you too well!  But come, I have several questions to
+put.  Why did you try to kill me?"
+
+"I did not try, your Highness!  At the time of the attack I was a mile
+away, shut up in a room and well guarded."
+
+"You seem fond of prison," he said, and I felt that he did not believe
+a word of my story.
+
+"I had no choice in the matter, your Highness."
+
+Conde looked me straight in the face, and I met his gaze without
+flinching.
+
+"You look like an honest lad," he exclaimed grudgingly, "but the
+evidence against you is strong.  Come, tell me everything, and I will
+promise you a pardon beforehand.  Was it Mazarin who urged you on?"
+
+"I have not heard from the Cardinal for months, monsieur.  If the plot
+was his work, he did not take me into his confidence.  But I think,
+monsieur, that your enemies are nearer home."
+
+"How?  No one in Paris but De Retz would plan such a deed."
+
+"The Abbe is a dangerous enemy, your Highness."
+
+"No," said Conde, looking puzzled, "it could not have been De Retz.  He
+and his henchman, De Lalande--your cousin by the way--were with me five
+minutes after the pistol was fired.  I wish you would trust me."
+
+"You will laugh at my suspicions, and the explanation will not benefit
+me."
+
+"_Ma foi!_  I have learned to consider nothing strange in this citizen
+squabble.  Come, speak as a friend, and I promise on my honour not to
+repeat your words."
+
+I hardly knew what to do.  I had no wish to injure either Henri or
+Pillot, but on the other hand, my own life was in danger, and finally I
+resolved to relate the story with as little mention of names as
+possible.
+
+Conde listened attentively, stopping me now and then to ask some
+searching question, and evidently considerably puzzled by the whole
+affair.
+
+"If this be true," said he at last, "it seems that Mazarin had nothing
+to do with the plot.  But there is one point which still requires
+explanation.  If you were not there, how could the mob have followed
+you to the house?"
+
+"They did not follow me, but were led by two of my enemies."
+
+"Who were they?"
+
+"One was Baron Maubranne dressed as a charcoal-burner, and him I
+killed."
+
+"Who was the other?"
+
+"M. Peleton, disguised as a mason.  He kept out of my way, the coward!"
+
+"_Corbleu!_" exclaimed Conde, laughing, "that showed his discretion.
+Now, M. de Lalande, I am going to think over this extraordinary story.
+Meanwhile you must return to the Bastille.  It is not exactly a
+pleasant residence, but it is above all things safe.  True, the
+Governor will keep out your friends, but I will take care that he does
+not admit your enemies.  By the way, who is this M. Beauchamp of whom
+you have spoken?"
+
+"An officer in the household of the Duke of Orleans."
+
+"Ah, well, I shall be visiting the Luxembourg in a day or two, and I
+may meet him."
+
+Summoning the officer, who had remained on guard just inside the door,
+he directed that I should be driven back to the Bastille without delay;
+and thus my night adventure ended.
+
+It was early morning when we reached the famous prison, but my gaoler
+received me with a cheerful smile.
+
+"I hope monsieur's journey has proved a pleasant one," said he, for, of
+course, he had watched the departure of the carriage.
+
+"It has not been amiss," I answered, "and it may help to prove my
+innocence.  At any rate, it was more agreeable than a visit to the
+torture chamber," and I began to undress.
+
+The interview with Conde had raised my spirits, and I felt more
+cheerful than at any time since my arrest.  Although doubtful at first,
+he was evidently impressed by my story, and for his own sake would
+endeavour to unravel the mystery.  I had, however, to exercise
+considerable patience.  Another week passed wearily enough, and during
+the whole of that time no whisper reached me from the outside world.  I
+was left entirely to my imagination, and even Gaston of Orleans could
+not have changed his mind as many times as I did during that period.
+
+At one moment I felt sure of freedom; the next I listened to the roar
+of the hungry mob assembled to witness my execution.  I turned hot and
+cold at every sound; now fancying the gaoler was coming to set me at
+liberty, again that he was bringing news of my condemnation.
+
+One morning after breakfast I was sitting daydreaming as usual, when
+the door was opened, and the turnkey requested me to finish dressing
+and follow him.
+
+"What is it now?" I inquired anxiously.
+
+"An order to attend the Council Chamber, monsieur."
+
+"Am I to receive my freedom?"
+
+"I cannot tell, but there are no soldiers below, which is not a bad
+sign."
+
+I knew my way by now, and followed my gaoler briskly down the staircase
+to the chamber.  The four councillors were there, standing together,
+and near them was Conde himself.
+
+"Well, M. de Lalande, did you expect to see me again?" he asked.
+
+"I hoped to do so, your Highness."
+
+"Then you do not fear my discoveries?  Well, I have inquired into your
+story, and am inclined to believe you spoke the truth.  For one thing,
+M. Peleton has disappeared."
+
+"Then he has received a warning, your Highness."
+
+"That is possible, as he may know too much.  Still, without his
+evidence I cannot probe to the bottom of this affair.  Now I am going
+to make you a proposal.  If I set you at liberty, will you find this M.
+Peleton and bring him to me?  His arrest is necessary, you understand,
+in order to clear your own character."
+
+"Then I shall be the more anxious to discover him, your Highness."
+
+"Very well; and remember, it must be done without noise or fuss, by
+yourself and your friends.  If my fresh suspicions are correct, he has
+powerful patrons whom I have no desire to ruffle for the present.  So
+it must be your private affair, and you take all the risks."
+
+"I will do that willingly."
+
+"So I expected," said he, laughing, and at once directed the weazened
+councillor to make out my paper of discharge.  Having fulfilled certain
+formalities, I was escorted beyond the five gates and set at liberty.
+
+It was strange what an unfamiliar aspect the streets of the city at
+first bore.  I stood for a time perplexed by the change from the gloomy
+Bastille, bewildered by the noise of the traffic, and scarcely knowing
+which direction to take.  Wandering on aimlessly, I at length found
+myself on the Quai Henry IV., and, keeping steadily along past the
+Hotel de Ville, reached the head of the Pont Neuf.  Turning off here, I
+was soon in the familiar net-work of streets near the Palais Royal, and
+presently entered the Rue des Catonnes.
+
+My landlord, who would hardly have raised an eyebrow in the midst of an
+earthquake, made no comment on my long absence, but, merely observing
+that monsieur would perhaps like something to eat, disappeared.
+
+Going to my room, I removed my sword, which had been returned to me on
+leaving the Bastille, and sat down.  In a short time my worthy host
+brought some food, for which I was really grateful, and I asked
+cheerfully if any one had called at the house to inquire for me.
+
+"A soldier of the Queen's Guards who comes every evening, monsieur.  He
+is a foreigner, I think, he speaks French so badly."
+
+"Ah, an Englishman, a fine fellow, and my very good friend."
+
+"There is also a young cavalier who comes from the Luxembourg to
+inquire if you have returned.  He it was who informed me that monsieur
+had gone into the country."
+
+"And they come every evening?"
+
+"Without fail, monsieur."
+
+"Then be sure to send them up the instant they arrive."
+
+About six o'clock, observing Raoul approach the house, I withdrew
+quickly from the window, so that he might be taken the more completely
+by surprise.  Suddenly the footsteps ceased, and I heard my friend
+putting his question to the landlord.  The answer was not
+distinguishable, but it produced a remarkable effect.  There was a rush
+and a clatter on the stairs, the door of my room was opened quickly,
+and Raoul threw himself into my arms.
+
+"Albert," he cried, "I began to fear we should never see you again.
+You are too venturesome, my dear fellow.  Listen!  What is that?  Ah!
+here is your English friend, and mine, too, now.  He is a splendid
+fellow."
+
+"Back again, my friend!" cried John Humphreys, as he entered the room.
+"You have had a long holiday this time."
+
+"Longer than was agreeable," I answered, laughing, "but sit down and
+tell me the news; I am dying with curiosity."
+
+"So are we," observed Raoul; "we want to know all that has happened to
+you."
+
+"Didn't the story get abroad?"
+
+"Only a little.  We heard you were suspected of leading the attack on
+Conde.  In fact, there were people who swore they saw you fire, though,
+naturally, I knew that was rubbish."
+
+"Did you guess the truth?"
+
+"Yes, and told Humphreys here.  But I have not cried it from the
+housetops."
+
+"You were wise; it is an affair that requires delicate handling," and I
+repeated the story of my adventures, from my disappearance to the
+moment of my being liberated from the Bastille.
+
+"The plot is no mystery to us," said Raoul thoughtfully, "but it will
+be difficult to prove.  We have not the slightest doubt that your
+cousin Henri fired the pistol."
+
+"Is he still in Paris?" I asked curiously.
+
+"Yes, and goes about quite openly with De Retz."
+
+"Why doesn't Conde arrest  him?" asked Humphreys, who was not in the
+habit of beating about the bush.
+
+"Henri de Lalande has played his game far too cleverly," laughed Raoul,
+"you may depend that his share in the plot was known only to himself
+and De Retz."
+
+"But," said I, "the instructions for trapping me must have been given
+by him."
+
+"There you are wrong.  The man Francois has been examined, and he knows
+nothing of your cousin.  He was employed and paid by Peleton, who was
+wise enough to mention no names."
+
+"Peleton is an arrant coward, and a traitor to boot."
+
+"Just so," said Raoul, "and were he caught the whole secret would be
+laid bare.  But he has vanished."
+
+"And it is my business to find him; I have promised Conde to do so,
+though without implicating him, and, besides, I want to clear my own
+name.  Is he likely to have left Paris?"
+
+Raoul went to the door to make sure that no one was listening, and
+coming back, said quietly, "I will tell you my idea.  Everything
+depends on Peleton, and De Retz is aware that he would betray his
+dearest friend for a hundred pistoles.  Do you follow me?"
+
+"Perfectly," said I impatiently, "go on."
+
+"As soon as Conde got on the right track, Peleton disappeared and has
+not been seen since.  Now if he were a free man, he would long before
+this have made a bargain with Conde in order to preserve his own skin."
+
+"Do you think----" I began in horror, but Raoul interrupted me, saying,
+"No, no, not as bad as that.  I simply mean they are holding him a
+prisoner till the affair has blown over.  De Retz is making a hard
+fight with Conde, and if the prince is beaten, why, then Peleton can
+talk as much as he likes.  Of course for your own sake you must try to
+unearth him, and I will help in the search."
+
+"So will I," exclaimed Humphreys, "though I shall be of little use
+unless it comes to fighting."
+
+"There may be enough and to spare of that," said Raoul, "if Henri de
+Lalande is the fellow's gaoler.  He may be a rogue, but he is a
+fearless one."
+
+Raoul's theory was, certainly, mere guess-work, but the more we
+discussed it the more likely it appeared to be correct.  Peleton was a
+tricky fellow, and I understood my cousin too well to believe that he
+would allow him to be at large.
+
+"If Peleton's hiding-place is to be discovered we must watch Henri," I
+suggested at length, and the others agreed.
+
+"There is one thing I can do," remarked Raoul.  "The Duke of Orleans
+has command of the gates, and I can request the officers on duty to
+watch for Peleton.  I shall leave Conde's name out, and make it a
+personal favour."
+
+"Meanwhile Humphreys and I will take a walk in the neighbourhood of
+Notre Dame.  We may possibly meet Henri on his way to visit the Abbe."
+
+"Don't run too far into danger; the Abbe's parishioners are not the
+most gentle of citizens."
+
+The Englishman laughed lightly, and tapped his sword as if to say,
+"This will prevent them from being too saucy."
+
+We went down into the street, and Raoul, promising to return the next
+evening, departed on his errand, while Humphreys and I turned in the
+direction of the cathedral.  The people, as usual, were in a high state
+of excitement, but we met with no adventure worth relating, and
+unfortunately saw nothing of my cousin.
+
+"Never mind," said Humphreys, "the luck doesn't always come at the
+first throw."
+
+Next morning I paid a hurried visit to the Rue Crillon, where I
+received a warm greeting from the ladies, who had already heard of my
+release.
+
+"At first the prince thought you were guilty," exclaimed Madame
+Coutance.  "It was stupid of him, but then, appearances were against
+you."
+
+"They certainly were," said I, "and even now there are people who
+imagine I had a share in the plot."
+
+"Not those in high quarters.  They know the truth, but cannot prove it.
+By the way, had you come last night you would have met your cousin."
+
+"It is so long since I saw him that he is quite a stranger.  Did he
+inquire for me?"
+
+"Yes," replied Marie, "and he was delighted to learn that you were free
+of the Bastille.  At least, he said so," and she looked at me with a
+meaning smile.
+
+It was apparent that both Marie and her aunt guessed the truth, but the
+subject was a delicate one, and they did not dwell on it; only, as I
+was leaving, Madame Coutance whispered, "Do not forget that the street
+as well as the Bastille has its dangers."
+
+"Thank you for the warning," I answered, "but I shall be more wary in
+future."
+
+The rest of the day I spent in prowling about the city, in asking
+questions here and there, and in watching sharply for either Pillot or
+my cousin, but the search proved fruitless, and towards the end of the
+afternoon I returned to my rooms, jaded and weary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+The Fight on the Staircase.
+
+About seven o'clock in the evening John Humphreys, who was just off
+duty, joined me, and shortly afterwards Raoul arrived.
+
+"No news?" cried the latter, noticing my gloomy looks.  "Well, there is
+no need to despair.  I have so arranged that Peleton will find it
+difficult to slip through the gates, and I have heard something of your
+cousin.  Young D'Arcy met him last evening in the Rue de Roi."
+
+"Then he has taken up his old quarters in La Boule d'Or and hidden
+Peleton there!" I exclaimed; but Raoul shook his head.
+
+"Conde's troopers have searched the house by now, and no doubt a watch
+is set.  Still, we might walk that way."
+
+"Have you told Armand the story?"
+
+"Yes, he can be trusted; and he has a host of acquaintances."
+
+"Very well, let us go down to the Rue de Roi;" then, turning to
+Humphreys, I remarked, "we may have need of our swords to-night."
+
+We had only just turned the corner of the street, when Raoul exclaimed,
+"Why, there is D'Arcy!  Armand, here is an old friend who will be glad
+to see you."
+
+"De Lalande!  So they have let you out of the Bastille?  Conde made a
+mistake.  He should have kept you behind the bars till the trouble is
+at an end.  You will soon be running into fresh mischief.  Where are
+you going now?"
+
+"On a voyage of discovery," said Raoul.  "Will you come?"
+
+"Gladly!  The times are out of joint, and I have nothing to do."
+
+I introduced him to Humphreys, and we went on together to the Rue de
+Roi.  Leaving us at the corner, to watch, Raoul crossed the road and
+boldly entered the famous inn.  The street was crowded with people,
+and, lest some chance passer-by might recognise me, I muffled my face,
+and leaned against the wall, while Armand and John Humphreys stood a
+short distance off.
+
+Raoul was absent a long time, and we began to fidget, but presently he
+came out and made his way toward us.
+
+"We are on a false scent," he said; "our quarry has not been there,
+though Henri has.  Conde's troopers have searched the house twice in
+three days, and the landlord is quite indignant.  But I believe the
+rascal knows something about Peleton."
+
+Armand was on the point of answering when I caught sight of a figure
+which induced me to draw my companions back where they would not be
+noticed.  It was Pillot in a tremendous hurry.  He had been running
+fast: his hair and face were wet with perspiration; he was breathing
+irregularly, and kept glancing over his shoulder as if expecting to
+discover an enemy.  Stopping outside the inn, he looked anxiously up
+the street, was apparently reassured, and then darted like an eel up
+the side entrance.
+
+"The Abbe's man," said D'Arcy; "the poor fellow our friend here half
+murdered."
+
+Raoul became excited.  "A messenger either to or from Henri de
+Lalande!" he exclaimed, and was about to dart across the road when I
+pulled him back roughly, saying, "Be still!  You will spoil everything.
+Let us stay here and follow when he returns."
+
+"Good advice!" agreed D'Arcy.  "We may learn something.  Hola!  What an
+uproar!  Something serious the matter one would imagine.  Here comes
+D'Artagnan with his musketeers!  The fellow rides as if Paris belongs
+to him.  See how he sweeps the _canaille_ out of his path!"
+
+"The crowd is closing up," said Humphreys, "and the musketeers will
+have hard work to force a way.  Ah! there's one fellow down.
+D'Artagnan is a fine rider.  See how he manages his horse!  He would
+have done good work in our ranks at Naseby.  And a sworder, too!
+There's a stroke!"
+
+"Smother him!" laughed D'Arcy; "we shall have the rabble here in a
+minute.  Be quiet, my dear fellow; I warrant D'Artagnan is no better
+fencer than yourself."
+
+"Hang D'Artagnan!" cried Raoul excitedly.  "Look, there goes the little
+man."
+
+"And a man in a gray cloak behind him!  Is that Peleton?"
+
+"No," said I, "it is my cousin.  Quick, let us follow and see where
+they go."
+
+While the squabble progressed in the narrow street, and the air was
+filled with threats and cries of terror, while steel rang against
+steel, and from more than one quarter came the sounds of firing, we ran
+swiftly in the wake of my cousin and his henchman.  Pillot surprised us
+by the rapidity of his movements.  Though so short of stature he ran at
+a tremendous pace, and had the man in the gray cloak been able to keep
+pace with him, we must soon have been thrown off.  As it was, we kept
+the second of the fugitives well in view; and so the chase continued
+almost without a stop, save when Pillot halted from motives of prudence.
+
+The noise of the strife behind us died away; we were in a labyrinth of
+narrow streets, and had need of caution, though Humphreys suggested
+overtaking my cousin, and forcing him at the point of the sword to
+speak.
+
+"No, no," I exclaimed, panting, "that will never do.  A fight here
+would bring the people out in hundreds.  Besides, my cousin is no
+coward, and we should obtain nothing from him by force."
+
+So we ran on, maintaining the interval between us and the gray mantle,
+till at length Pillot stopped for his master, while Armand d'Arcy,
+plucking my sleeve, whispered, "Do you know where we are?"
+
+"Yes," I answered quietly, "I recognise the street.  Higher up on the
+other side is the house of Martin the astrologer.  We shall discover
+something now.  Unless I am very greatly mistaken we are close to
+Peleton's hiding-place."
+
+"Your cousin is an artful rascal, Albert.  Just notice how
+unconcernedly he walks along.  No one would imagine he was in any
+danger.  Ah!  They are crossing the road!  _Corbleu!_ you were
+right--they are going to Martin's."
+
+"Follow me one at a time, and without making a sound," I said, softly.
+"Keep close to the wall, and well out of sight.  What an old fox Martin
+is!  I thought Mazarin had taught him a lesson."
+
+Hiding in a doorway below the astrologer's house we awaited events.  It
+was evident that Pillot had not fetched his master for nothing, and
+Raoul, who stood next to me, whispered, "They have scented danger of
+some sort, either to Henri or to Peleton."
+
+"Peleton is shut up in that house somewhere, take my word for it," I
+answered quietly.  "Look!"
+
+Drawing a whistle from beneath his mantle, Henri blew sharply, and
+almost immediately the window was thrown up.  We could not hear the
+conversation, but presently the man inside closed the window, and a few
+minutes later the door was opened.  Then Henri said something in a
+whisper to Pillot and entered.  The little man waited till his master
+had disappeared, gave a last glance at the house, and turned, as we
+supposed, to come down the street.
+
+"Let him pass," whispered Raoul, "then spring on him from behind and
+clap a mantle over his head.  We must not let him call for help."
+
+"Be as gentle as possible; he is a plucky fellow, and I am a long way
+in his debt.  Don't forget that he saved my life."
+
+To our surprise, however, Pillot did not get farther than the next
+house, when he stopped, and began to unlock the door.  This unexpected
+manoeuvre held us in amazement, but Raoul, who had no intention to be
+thus baulked of his prey, acted promptly.  Bounding from his
+hiding-place, he reached the door almost at one leap, and his hands
+closed like a vice round Pillot's neck.  The next instant we were all
+in the passage, and D'Arcy closed the door.
+
+"Now," exclaimed Raoul, loosening his grip, "if you raise your voice
+you are a dead man.  Do you understand?"
+
+"'Tredame!" spluttered the dwarf, rubbing his neck, "monsieur explains
+himself well.  He speaks to the point and leaves no room for mistakes.
+But perhaps monsieur will tell me the reason for this unexpected visit.
+My poor house is not often honoured by such company!"
+
+"The wheel has turned again, Pillot; nothing more," I laughed.  "We
+want to see M. Peleton, who is a very dear friend of ours."
+
+"Is it you, monsieur?  It would have been better for us had I left you
+to Maubranne's mercy.  As to M. Peleton, how should I know anything of
+him?  He disappeared after that affair with Conde."
+
+"Be sensible, Pillot, the game is against you.  We are four; you are
+one, and in our power.  Accept your defeat like a man, and wait till
+the wheel brings you on top again.  Peleton is in this house or the
+next, and we intend to find him.  Come, there is no time to waste."
+
+"Monsieur is so pressing one cannot refuse him," said he, and led the
+way along the passage, with Raoul's pistol at his head by way of
+reminder.
+
+"We must have a light," D'Arcy declared; "there is no fun in visiting
+our friends in the dark."
+
+"There is a lighted candle in the room on our left," remarked Pillot,
+and, with Raoul still guarding him, he went to fetch it.
+
+We were now at the bottom of the stairs, and I suggested that Armand
+and Humphreys should stay there as a kind of rear-guard.
+
+"A good plan!" said Raoul.  "Should this fellow attempt to escape run
+your sword through him.  Now, my man, lead on, and remember you will
+pay dearly for mistakes."
+
+I had rarely known my comrade so firm, so energetic and determined:
+this was a phase of his character not often shown.  Pillot shrugged his
+shoulders carelessly and led the way.  Up we went through the silent
+house, past many empty rooms, till our guide came to a halt on the
+topmost storey.
+
+"Our dear Peleton likes to be high up," said he with a grin; "it is so
+quiet and pleasant.  By this time most likely he has gone to bed; he
+keeps good hours.  Perhaps monsieur will unlock the door while I hold
+the candle," and he handed Raoul a key.
+
+Stooping down, my comrade endeavoured to insert the key, but there was
+evidently something amiss.
+
+"Monsieur has not the knack," said Pillot.  "Shall I try?"
+
+"I believe you have given me the wrong key, you rascal."
+
+"Oh, surely not, monsieur!  I could not have been so stupid.  Let me
+see it.  No, it is the proper key, monsieur.  See," and taking the key
+from Raoul, he asked him to hold the light.
+
+In passing from one to the other the candle by some means dropped to
+the ground and the light was extinguished, leaving us in darkness.
+
+"Do not move, monsieur; it is close to your foot.  Now I have it!  Ah,
+you have kicked it away.  What a misfortune!"
+
+We could hear the rascal groping about for a time; then all was still,
+and he made no reply to our calling.  Raoul was furious, and threatened
+to kill the fellow, when he caught him, a clause very needful to add.
+
+"He has tricked us!" said Raoul, searching for the candle, though with
+small hope of finding it.
+
+To my astonishment, for I thought Pillot too sharp to leave it behind,
+the candle lay unbroken not a yard from my feet, and a light soon
+showed that our guide had disappeared.  It was very annoying to be
+duped in this way, but I could not help laughing at Pillot's craftiness.
+
+"He won't try to get past Armand and Humphreys," said Raoul; "he will
+hide away in one of the empty rooms."
+
+Suddenly some words spoken by Mazarin months before came into my mind,
+and I began to rail at my folly.
+
+"Raoul," I cried, "unless we get Peleton out quickly it will be too
+late.  There is a means of communication between the two houses, and
+Pillot has gone for assistance."
+
+"Peleton isn't likely to be in here," growled Raoul.
+
+"Why not?  Pillot would have given you the right key if the room was
+empty.  Anyway we will find out," and taking a run I dashed myself
+against the door.
+
+Raoul followed, and then we went at it together.  Once, twice, thrice.
+The last time it showed signs of yielding--presently with a crash it
+burst open.
+
+"Come on," I cried, seizing the candle which I had placed upright
+against the wall.  "Can you see anyone?"
+
+"No," answered Raoul, "but there is a bed in the corner.  Bring the
+candle."
+
+We ran across the room quickly, and there, fully dressed, but with his
+arms bound, lay Peleton.  His face was ghastly white, and he shook with
+fear.
+
+"Get up," I cried sharply--there was no leisure for ceremony--"do you
+hear?"
+
+"What do you want with me?" he whined, for, with all his bluster, the
+fellow had no more pluck than a pigeon.
+
+"To carry you to Conde--dead or alive--you can take your choice.  If
+you listen to my advice, you will come peaceably.  I will go first,
+Raoul; you come behind and keep a sharp eye on our friend."
+
+"And I will use a sharp sword if he doesn't mind himself," said Raoul.
+
+Now I shall always believe that as soon as his first fright had passed,
+Peleton was rather pleased than otherwise to accompany us.  His
+information would be worth much to Conde, and I have no doubt he
+expected to drive a very good bargain.  He did not attempt the least
+resistance, nor did he endeavour to lag behind as I hurried him from
+the room.
+
+We had reached the head of the stairs when I drew a sharp breath, and
+Raoul uttered a cry of anger.  The scene was lit up by the flare of
+torches, and Pillot's shrill laugh came floating up to us.  At the same
+moment we heard Henri's mocking voice, and there, sword in hand, stood
+my cousin, barring our path.  Below him were several brawny ruffians,
+bearing pikes and clubs, and, last of all, Pillot, who shouted with
+good-humoured banter, "Aha! the wheel has turned again, monsieur!"
+
+Henri affected to treat the matter as a joke, saying, "Chut!  Albert,
+did you not know Peleton was my guest?  I cannot allow him to leave at
+this hour!  The night air is not good for him.  Return to your room, M.
+Peleton, my cousin will accept your excuses."
+
+"A truce to this farce," I cried.  "Will you let us pass peacefully?"
+
+"Certainly.  You can come down, but I cannot part with M. Peleton just
+yet.  I enjoy his society too much."
+
+"We shall not leave without Peleton," I cried.
+
+"Then you will not go at all.  I am sorry, there is no help for it."
+
+He kept his temper admirably, but none the less I felt that if we were
+to get past, it would be by force of arms, so, raising my voice, I
+called to Armand and Humphreys who were still keeping guard at the foot
+of the stairs.  In an instant they came bounding up, and Henri, polite
+to the last, exclaimed, "As you will, cousin, but remember I am not to
+blame."
+
+The next instant we were in the thick of the fight.  By the accident of
+position Raoul was opposed to Henri; Pillot, with three companions,
+disputed the way with our friends below, while three others rushed
+fiercely at me.  One, advancing too hurriedly, ran himself on the point
+of my sword, but the others pressed their assault so savagely that I
+had much ado to preserve my head from being battered in.
+
+Once during the melee my foot slipped, and I was brought to my knees.
+A short, thick-set man, whom I dimly recognised as Pierre, stood over
+me with his club raised for striking.  I saw him swing the weapon round
+so as to deliver a sturdier blow, when, with a howl of pain he let the
+club fall.
+
+"Jump up, De Lalande!  Where's our man?  Ah, there he is!  Get him
+between us and we will make a rush for it."
+
+The speaker was John Humphreys, who had gallantly fought his way to my
+side, and was now keeping a clear space with his sword.  Peleton stood
+just above us, shivering with fear, and I must admit that his position
+was far from pleasant.  His arms were still bound, so that he could not
+ward off a blow, and one brawny ruffian was making desperate efforts to
+reach him.
+
+Suddenly there arose a terrible cry, sending a thrill of fear to our
+hearts.  The staircase was on fire!  Armand called to us to descend
+quickly; Pillot screamed to his master.  My assailants, thoroughly
+cowed, beat a hasty retreat, Raoul and Henri alone, undisturbed by the
+cries, continued the deadly fight.
+
+"Run, Humphreys," I cried, "and do not let this fellow slip away when
+he reaches the bottom."
+
+The Englishman nodded, and dashed off, while I turned to Peleton.
+
+"Come," I said, "or you will be burned to death," but he stood like a
+statue.  He seemed numbed by fear and unable to move a step, until I
+shook him roughly.  Then he roused himself and let me lead him.
+
+As we came abreast of my cousin, I saw him fall, wounded, but could not
+go to his help.  Peleton's nerves had broken down, and without me to
+lean on he must have stumbled.  The flames took a firmer hold, the heat
+became intense, the smoke was suffocating.  I called Raoul by name; he
+answered cheerily, bidding me not to lose Peleton.
+
+One man, quickly followed by a second, sprang past me and hurried to
+the top of the staircase.  It was Pillot with a trusty comrade, and the
+dwarf, recognising me, shouted some directions, which, unfortunately, I
+failed to understand.  The smoke filled my nostrils, I began to
+suffocate, but staggered on blindly, dragging Peleton with me.  Below
+us the stairs had begun to burn--soon they would fall with a crash.
+
+And where was Raoul?  Why was my gallant friend not by my side?  Had
+Pillot slain his master's enemy in the confusion?  I endeavoured to
+call again, but only a dull, choking sound came from my throat.  The
+horror of the situation gave me superhuman strength.  I dragged Peleton
+from step to step, caring nothing for smoke or flames; if the fire
+scorched my feet I felt no pain.
+
+Suddenly two figures sprang toward me; they were Armand and John
+Humphreys, and together we hurried Peleton into one of the lower rooms
+which the flames had not reached.
+
+"Attend to him," I cried, "don't let him escape," and ran swiftly to
+the staircase, but Armand was as quick as I, and as I mounted the first
+step he pulled me back.
+
+"Where are you going?" he demanded, and his tone was stern and
+peremptory.
+
+"To seek for Raoul.  Quick, let me go, or I shall be too late."
+
+In reply he tightened his hold on my arm, exclaiming, "It is utterly
+useless, Albert, the staircase will be down in a few seconds, you will
+only throw your life away."
+
+I begged and prayed him to release me, but he clung the more
+strenuously for my appeals, till at last I struggled like a madman to
+get loose.  The steadfast fellow, however, kept his grip, and I could
+not fling him off.
+
+In the very midst of the struggle came the sound of a terrific crash,
+and a broad tongue of flame leaped up to the roof of the building.
+Then Armand freed my arms; against my will he had saved me from a
+terrible death--the staircase had fallen in bodily.
+
+"Poor Raoul!" exclaimed my companion sorrowfully, but the lump in my
+throat prevented me from making any reply.  I could only stand and
+stare at the burning debris which formed the funeral pile of my gallant
+comrade.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+I Lose all Trace of Henri.
+
+By this time the flames had attracted a number of people, who ran from
+all directions to gaze at the spectacle.  Armand brought me back to my
+senses by saying, "We must make sure of Peleton, Albert, or he will
+escape."
+
+"Humphreys will guard him while you fetch a coach," I said, "then drive
+him straight to Conde."
+
+"And you?"
+
+"I shall stay here till--till----"
+
+"I understand.  We will escort this fellow to the Hotel de Conde, and
+then return."
+
+My passion had exhausted itself by now; I could only stand bewailing
+the loss of my trusty friend.  Meanwhile the crowd increased; soldiers
+appeared on the scene; men dashed buckets of water on the fire; some
+seized burning pieces of wood and flung them into the street where they
+could do no more mischief.
+
+I toiled with the rest, and gradually we got the flames under, but
+there was no sign of Raoul's body.  One man we found was quite dead,
+and no one recognised him.  What had become of the others?  Some had
+dashed down the stairway in front of me, but I had left Raoul and
+Henri, Pillot and his companion, nearly at the top.  Where were they,
+if not buried beneath the smouldering debris of the fallen staircase?
+
+Presently a roar of excitement came from the people behind me, and
+glancing towards the astrologer's house I beheld a man, hatless,
+bleeding, and scorched by the hungry flames, rush into the street.
+
+A hubbub of voices at once arose.
+
+"Bravo, monsieur!"
+
+"That's one who was in the house!"
+
+"He has saved one man's life!"
+
+"See, his face is cut!"
+
+At sight of him my heart for a moment stood still; then I called aloud
+"Raoul!" and, scattering the people right and left, ran, frantic with
+joy, toward the friend I had never again expected to meet alive.
+
+"Raoul!" I cried, "Raoul!  Where have you been?  I thought you were in
+the burning house!"
+
+"There was your cousin to save," he answered simply, flushing like a
+girl.
+
+"You risked your life to save his?"
+
+"Pshaw!  I could not leave him to die like a rat.  Then Pillot came
+with one of his fellows and we carried him through the secret passage
+into the next house."
+
+"Is he seriously hurt?"
+
+"I am afraid so; though Pillot calls his wound a scratch.  But what of
+Peleton?  Has he escaped?"
+
+"No!  He is safe in the Hotel de Conde by now.  D'Arcy and Humphreys
+took him there in a coach.  But come, let us get away from this crowd,
+and visit the surgeon in the Rue Pierre.  It is quite time your wounds
+were attended to."
+
+"It is scarcely worth the trouble; I can have that done at the
+Luxembourg."
+
+However, I managed to persuade him, and the surgeon, a man whom I had
+met more than once at the Palais Royal, bathed his wounds, applied some
+ointment, and lent him a hat.  He was a wise man and asked no
+questions, though no doubt he learned in the morning all that he wished
+to know.
+
+Leaving the house we walked to the end of the street, when Raoul
+stopped, saying, "You had better not go any farther with me; Conde will
+be expecting you."
+
+"To-morrow will do," I replied, and we were still discussing the point
+when Armand and the Englishman suddenly made their appearance.
+
+I need not describe their joyful surprise on perceiving Raoul, whom
+both believed to be dead.  John Humphreys did not make a great display
+of his feelings--he rarely did--but Armand clapped Raoul on the
+shoulder and executed a lively dance.
+
+"Where is Peleton?" I asked, when he had sobered down.
+
+"In the Bastille by now, I expect.  Conde is delighted; he will learn
+all about the plot within twenty-four hours.  I never saw such a coward
+as Peleton!"
+
+"The fellow isn't worth powder!" exclaimed Humphreys in disgust.
+
+"Anyhow there is an end to De Retz's scheming," I remarked cheerfully,
+but Raoul shook his head.
+
+"The Abbe can take care of himself," said he; "you will find that
+Peleton has no proof against him.  It is your cousin who will suffer."
+
+"I thought Henri was killed on the staircase'" cried Armand.
+
+"No, he was wounded, but we managed to convey him along a secret
+passage, of which Pillot knew, into Martin's house.  He is a bold
+rascal!  I shall feel quite sorry if he falls into Conde's clutches.
+Did the prince question you, Armand?"
+
+"No, he was too much occupied with Peleton, but he intends sending for
+Albert in a day or two.  You will be wearing his livery soon, my
+friend!" said he, turning to me.
+
+"Not likely!" I replied laughing.  "Remember I am still a _Mazarin_!"
+
+Humphreys and I accompanied our friends some distance on their way, and
+then turned off in the direction of the Palais Royal.  We did not talk
+much, for I was tired and sleepy, but I thanked the Englishman for the
+gallant part he had played in Peleton's capture.  Indeed, without his
+assistance I question if the adventure would have ended so successfully.
+
+Remembering Armand's remarks, I remained in the house the whole of the
+next day, in case Conde should send a message; but it was not until the
+third evening after the fight that one of his gentlemen appeared with a
+request that I would go immediately to the Hotel de Conde.  The prince
+received me graciously, and, indeed, he displayed a very winning manner
+when it suited his purpose.
+
+"Well, M. de Lalande," he exclaimed, "you have kept your promise, and
+Monsieur Peleton is occupying your old cell in the Bastille.  Do you
+know, I fancy he is rather pleased at leaving his late quarters?"
+
+"I can well believe that, your Highness!  He does not like being on the
+losing side.  But I hope he has made it quite plain that I had nothing
+to do with the conspiracy?"
+
+"He has told me everything in his power.  By the way, De Lalande, that
+cousin of yours must be a very daring fellow!"
+
+"My cousin Henri, your Highness?" said I, with a start of surprise.
+
+"Yes, the man who carried the plot through!  De Retz has an able
+lieutenant in him.  Oh, come, do not look so astonished.  You must have
+guessed the truth, and now there is no need for concealment.  Peleton's
+evidence is sufficient to bring your cousin's head to the block.  But I
+bear him no ill-will, and he can still save himself."
+
+"How, your Highness?"
+
+"You are a clever lad," said the prince, "and honest, as far as honesty
+goes in these days.  You are from the country, I believe?"
+
+"Yes, your Highness," I answered, really surprised now.
+
+"And have enjoyed many a good day's fishing, I warrant?  Ah, I see you
+have.  Have you ever gone out with the determination to hook one
+particularly big fish?"
+
+"Why, yes," I replied, laughing, and quite at my ease.  "I remember an
+old trout, a regular monster, that I could never catch, though I tried
+often enough.  He was a wily fellow and would not take the bait."
+
+"But you landed others?"
+
+"A good many, your Highness, though they did not make up for the one I
+missed."
+
+"Then you can understand my feelings, De Lalande.  I have been angling
+a long time for a very wily fish, but I cannot get him on my hook; and
+the lesser ones are not worth catching.  They are useful only as bait."
+
+Now I began to perceive the prince's drift.  The big fish was, of
+course, De Retz, who so skilfully avoided capture; Peleton only ranked
+as one of the smaller fry.
+
+After a time, Conde, who had been watching my face closely, spoke more
+plainly.
+
+"M. de Lalande," he began, "I am going to ask you a question.  Will you
+take service with me?"
+
+"You do me great honour, your Highness, but it is impossible.  I have
+pledged my word to Cardinal Mazarin."
+
+"His power is gone."
+
+"Which seems to me all the more reason why I should stand by him, your
+Highness.  A fallen man has the most need of friends."
+
+"And obtains few.  However, I will not attempt to persuade you, but
+there is one matter in which it may suit your interest to serve us.
+Would you like to see your cousin led out to execution?"
+
+"By no means, your Highness!  He played me a nasty trick, 'tis true,
+but I am sure he had no hand in Maubranne's scheme."
+
+"Very well.  I will speak plainly to you.  This Peleton has told me all
+he knows.  His confession is sufficient to bring your cousin to the
+block, but it is not enough for my purpose.  It strikes at the second
+man and leaves the first untouched.  Now, I would much prefer that it
+should be the other way, and in this you can assist me."
+
+"I will enter into no schemes to entrap my cousin, your Highness."
+
+"No, no!" answered the prince pettishly; "you mistake my meaning.  I
+want you to go to him from me, privately.  Make him aware that Peleton
+has confessed and his own head is in danger.  Do you understand?"
+
+"So far, your Highness."
+
+"The rest is simple.  He can save his life if he chooses, by adding to
+Peleton's confession.  If he will not do this he must take the
+consequences."
+
+"Your Highness has made a mistake," I answered coldly.  "Henri de
+Lalande is not another Peleton.  He will not purchase his life on these
+terms."
+
+Conde laughed and exclaimed, "At least you can offer him the chance.
+Find out where he is hiding and deliver my message.  Then he can please
+himself."
+
+Although feeling sure that Henri would refuse to avail himself of
+Conde's offer, I allowed myself to be persuaded, and, before leaving
+the house, agreed to report to my cousin what the prince had said.
+
+I soon discovered that the promise was easier to make than to fulfil.
+Henri had vanished, and on all hands I heard rumour of his death.  So
+steady and persistent was the report that even Marie and her aunt, on
+whom I called the next day, believed it.
+
+"It is quite true," Madame Coutance declared.  "De Retz has offered up
+prayers for the repose of his soul, which he would hardly venture to do
+if he believed your cousin was still alive.  I met Madame de Chevreuse
+last night and she informed me that the Abbe is disconsolate."
+
+I did not argue the point, though in my own mind I concluded that De
+Retz was a very clever schemer, and that these reports of Henri's death
+were circulated in order to deceive Conde.
+
+In the afternoon I paid a visit to the astrologer's house, and by dint
+of bribing the porter gained admittance.  Fortunately for the learned
+Martin the fire had not reached his rooms, though some parts of the
+buildings were damaged.  The philosopher received me very affably, and
+spoke in feeling terms of my cousin's illness, but when I asked if
+Henri would see me the wily old fellow regarded me with the utmost
+astonishment.
+
+"M. de Lalande is not here!" he observed.  "Did you not know?  How
+strange!  Why, he had left before D'Artagnan arrived with his
+musketeers to search the house.  It appears that your cousin has
+offended Conde, or the Duke of Orleans, or some powerful person, and is
+in danger of being imprisoned."
+
+"It is said in the city that he is dead."
+
+"Dead?  I hope not, but in his weak state the hurried flight may easily
+have proved fatal.  The soldiers were sent to arrest him, but his
+faithful servant, by some means, heard of their coming, and smuggled
+his master out just in time."
+
+"Pillot?"
+
+"Yes, he is a trusty fellow."
+
+"Where was my cousin taken?"
+
+"Pillot did not trust me with his secret," said the astrologer, smiling
+blandly, "and I have not seen him since."
+
+"But you can guess where he is to be found?"
+
+"Indeed, I have not the least notion, monsieur," and the bland smile
+became still more bland, "but as to the rumour of your cousin's death I
+would fain hope that it is not true."
+
+Remembering the nature of my last visit with Mazarin to this house, I
+placed small faith in Martin's remarks, but as it was clearly
+impossible to obtain any further information I took my leave, resolving
+to discover for myself what really had become of Henri.  Raoul joined
+me in the search, but for a long time our efforts were fruitless.  It
+became, indeed, difficult not to believe in my cousin's death.  Many
+even of Conde's friends accepted the report as true, while the Abbe's
+henchmen openly mourned the loss of their brilliant leader.  Still I
+was not entirely satisfied, especially as no trace could be found of
+Pillot.
+
+During one of our expeditions we came across Pierre and Francois, the
+one grim and hostile, the other smiling and communicative.
+
+"Monsieur is right," replied Francois in answer to my questioning, "M.
+de Lalande did leave the astrologer's house; I helped to carry him.  He
+was ill--dying, I think.  We took him to a safe place.  Pillot stayed
+to nurse him and I left them.  He instructed me to go because the
+soldiers were watching."
+
+"Could you show us this house?" I asked.
+
+"Monsieur would have his journey in vain.  M. de Lalande is not there
+now.  Pillot took him, or his dead body, away in a carriage."
+
+"Where is Pillot now?"
+
+"Ah! monsieur asks a question!  Perhaps he is dead too!  I have not
+seen him since."
+
+For a moderate consideration Francois agreed to point out the haunts
+which his former ally had been in the habit of frequenting.  Such dens
+of vice and misery, where crime, starvation, and disease went hand in
+hand, I had never beheld.  I wondered how any one could live in such
+noisome places even for a day.  The sufferings of the people were
+terrible; a dreadful pestilence mowed them down in scores.  Small
+marvel that a clever agitator like De Retz could obtain hundreds of
+willing tools ready for any act of bloodshed and violence.
+
+Always hungry, always in filth and rags, scarred and disfigured by
+disease, their numbers decimated many times over by an ever-present
+plague, what could they know of the sanctity of life?  Death walked and
+talked with them continually; a familiar guest, eating and drinking by
+their side like a trusty comrade--feared by none, welcomed by many.
+But for Francois we should never have left these dens alive.
+
+With all our care and trouble we could obtain no information.  My
+cousin had vanished so completely that I gradually became convinced of
+his death, and an accidental meeting with De Retz confirmed me in this
+belief.
+
+Coming one day from the neighbourhood of Notre Dame, I met the Abbe
+face to face.  He stopped involuntarily and his face became white.
+
+"De Lalande?" he gasped.  "De Lalande?  Is it possible?"
+
+"Albert de Lalande," I said.
+
+"Ah," he exclaimed with a sigh of relief, "Henri's cousin!  I had
+forgotten you, and it is a shock to one's nerves to meet a dead man in
+the flesh."
+
+"Is my cousin really dead, monsieur?"
+
+"_Ma foi!_  What a question!  Why do you ask?"
+
+"Because I imagined the report had been spread about to deceive Conde."
+
+"No," he replied, showing no offence at my remark, "I would it were so,
+but M. Beauchamp's sword bit deeply.  Pillot should have informed you,
+but he has had much to do.  He has taken his master's body home for
+burial.  I feel his loss greatly.  Your cousin was an admirable man,
+and I shall never find his equal.  But what of yourself?  Have you
+taken service with Conde?"
+
+"No, monsieur, I still fight for the Throne."
+
+"And for Albert de Lalande!  Well, well, as long as you steer clear of
+me I wish you no harm."
+
+"Monsieur is pleased to be gracious," I returned with a mocking bow.
+"I am indeed grateful."
+
+The little rogue's eyes twinkled brightly, and he went away laughing.
+
+So Henri was really dead and laid to rest in the family vault!  I could
+no longer question the truth of the rumour after seeing the Abbe's face
+when he met me.  It was certain that he, at least, believed my cousin
+was dead and buried.  Even Raoul could not shake me on this point,
+though he rather scoffed at the story.
+
+"It is a trick to deceive Conde," he said.  "If Henri is dead, where is
+Pillot?"
+
+"He has taken the body home."
+
+"Chut!  The tale is a pack of lies.  The Abbe is keeping your cousin in
+hiding till Conde has lost his power.  Have you heard that he is going
+to accuse the prince of high treason?"
+
+"De Retz?"
+
+"Yes, to-morrow in open court at the Palais de Justice.  There are
+likely to be warm doings, and it is my belief if De Retz wins your
+cousin Henri will soon come to life."
+
+That night I wandered about the city by myself.  Raoul and Armand were
+with the troops in the Luxembourg; John Humphreys was at his post in
+the Palais Royal; the gates of both palaces were closed and barred, for
+no one knew what an hour would bring forth.  The night passed quietly,
+but, as soon as the dawn broke, bands of armed men, in the pay of De
+Retz, moved down on the Palais de Justice, swarming into the halls and
+galleries and seizing the best positions.  The crowd outside rapidly
+increased to enormous numbers, and very soon cries of "Down with Conde"
+were heard.
+
+About an hour after De Retz put in an appearance loud shouts announced
+the coming of the prince.  He rode haughtily at the head of some two
+thousand fighting men, who marched afoot with their hands on their
+swords, and apparently quite ready to use them.  I was standing near
+the gate as Conde passed, and to my surprise he beckoned me toward him.
+
+"Has your search failed?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, your Highness.  According to all accounts my cousin is dead, and
+I am sure De Retz thinks so."
+
+"Why do you say that?" he asked quickly.  "Come with me; it is
+important that I should have the latest news."
+
+Accordingly we walked together along the corridor, which was filled
+with armed men, and so into the Parliament Hall, Conde listening with
+deep attention to the story of my chance meeting with De Retz.
+
+"Ah!" he exclaimed thoughtfully, "that will account for more than one
+strange incident," and leaving me he took his seat in the assembly.
+
+I was too far off to hear the speeches, but there was tremendous
+excitement, and I think everyone was expecting the meeting to end in
+bloodshed.  Better sense, however, prevailed; Conde sent a nobleman to
+ask his friends to withdraw, and De Retz went with a similar message to
+his own retainers.  Then something happened which threatened to undo
+all the good.  Conde's messenger getting back first shut the door, and
+when the Abbe knocked, opened it only a little way.  As De Retz
+endeavoured to squeeze through, the nobleman caught and fixed him
+between the two halves, at the same time calling to his friends to kill
+the Abbe.
+
+[Illustration: "The nobleman caught and fixed him."]
+
+It was a critical moment, as the first blow would have been the signal
+for a fierce fight, yet I could hardly refrain from laughing at the
+spectacle.  The little man's head and shoulders were within the hall,
+and the rest of his body was outside, while he could not stir an inch.
+Happily no blow was struck, as one of Conde's captains, crying "Shame!"
+ran forward, and two or three of us nearest the door managed to
+extricate the Abbe from his awkward situation.
+
+"Thank you, gentlemen," he exclaimed; "I am glad there are some men of
+honour in the prince's train," and he passed to his seat as if nothing
+unusual had happened.
+
+"There will be no more trouble to-day," said a man close to me; and he
+was right, but Paris had only just missed another revolution.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+News at Last.
+
+The incident at the Palais de Justice somewhat sobered the Parisians,
+and for several days the city presented quite an unusual appearance of
+peace.  Once more the mob retired to its own quarters, and the nobles
+of the different parties renewed their private friendships.
+
+By this time I had abandoned my search for Henri, and spent most of my
+time with Raoul and Armand d'Arcy, or with John Humphreys.
+
+One evening while chatting with the Englishman at the Palais Royal, Le
+Tellier, the Under Minister, passed by.
+
+"Are you not M. de Lalande?" he asked, turning and looking hard into my
+face.
+
+Now, coming from him, this was a very stupid question, as, when Mazarin
+ruled in Paris, Le Tellier had often seen me with the Cardinal.
+However, I shrugged my shoulders, and answered carelessly that he made
+no mistake.
+
+"I believe you are in the Queen's service?" he continued.
+
+"It is an office without salary, then," I answered, thinking of my
+nearly empty purse, which was not likely to wear out through the
+rubbing of coins against it.
+
+"Tut, tut!" he exclaimed, "money is not plentiful at Court just now;
+nevertheless you will be amply rewarded.  Come with me, I have a word
+for you," and he led me aside.
+
+Wondering at his manner, but glad of a chance to do something, I waited
+for him to speak.
+
+"You are aware," he began, "that, in two days from this, the King is to
+be declared of age, and that he will proceed in state to the Parliament
+House?"
+
+"Certainly, monsieur, that is common talk; the citizens are very
+pleased."
+
+"Those who are peacefully disposed!" he exclaimed; then, sinking his
+voice to a whisper, he added, "but there are some still eager for
+mischief.  It would be a pity if a tumult should arise during the
+King's progress.  The soldiers, fortunately, can be depended on, but in
+addition, we require a band of gallant gentlemen to line the route.
+Can I rely on you for one?"
+
+"Assuredly," I replied, "I shall be glad to assist."
+
+"Then come to me at midnight to-morrow, and I will inform you where to
+station yourself."
+
+"Another adventure?" inquired  Humphreys, when I returned to him.
+
+"Pouf!  A bagatelle, nothing more!  Le Tellier is anxious that I should
+have a good view of the procession.  You will accompany the Queen, I
+suppose?"
+
+"The orders have not yet been issued.  It is a good idea this of
+declaring the King of age; though he is only a youngster."
+
+"Fourteen," I said.  "It is understood that his mother will continue to
+rule as before."
+
+"Just so.  But in the King's name.  Don't you see that it will cut the
+ground from under the feet of her enemies?  While they would plot
+against the Regent, they will not dare to raise arms against the King.
+I call it a very sensible proceeding.  People will have to choose sides
+now, either with the King or with his foes.  If Conde and De Retz do
+not submit, they will be rebels.  They must either obey or defy the
+King, and we shall have a plain issue."
+
+"It will keep Mazarin out, though."
+
+"Quite so.  If I were you I should obtain a post under the young King."
+
+This was sensible advice, but considering myself still in Mazarin's
+employ, I decided to let the matter wait a while longer.  Perhaps I
+might even yet hear from Belloc.
+
+On the morning of the eventful day I took my place, by Le Tellier's
+orders, about a hundred yards from the gates of the Palais de Justice.
+Other cavaliers, well armed, were stationed at short intervals along
+the line of route, making little show, but ready at any moment to
+pounce on any one endeavouring to stir up strife.
+
+As it chanced, Le Tellier's precautions were not required.  There was a
+tremendous crowd, but the people were in the best of humour, and amused
+themselves by shouting "_Vive le Roi!_" with all their might.  They
+cheered for the Queen-Mother as well, and, listening to them, one would
+have thought Paris the most loyal city under the sun.
+
+"_Ma foi!_" exclaimed the cavalier on my right, "it is wonderful; but
+how long will it last?"
+
+"Till the show is over most likely.  The citizens love a pretty
+spectacle, no matter who provides it."
+
+Round after round of cheering announced the approach of the procession,
+which was on the most magnificent scale.  After a body of trumpeters
+came fifty guides clothed in the Royal livery, and then eight hundred
+gorgeously dressed nobles on horseback.
+
+I felt a passing pang of envy at sight of the nobleman who led the
+Light Horse.  His robe was of gold embroidery, and he carried his sword
+in a baldrick of pearls.  In his hat waved a splendid plume of
+feathers, and the trappings of his white horse were of scarlet adorned
+with pearls.  The spectators could not contain themselves, but clapped
+their hands and cried "Bravo!" vigorously.
+
+After the Light Horse came the Hundred Swiss in their romantic costume,
+and then a crowd of gentlemen, followed by the marshals of France--one
+carrying the King's sword, with the scabbard resting on his arm.  Then
+a thundering roar broke out, and the people appeared beside themselves
+with delight.
+
+"Live the King!" they cried.  "God bless him!" "God save his Majesty!"
+
+I craned my neck as eagerly as any other sightseer, as our youthful
+monarch approached.  He was truly a handsome boy, and managed his fiery
+horse with the grace and skill of an accomplished rider.
+
+"What a King he will be!" exclaimed one bystander.  "He will bring back
+the glory to our country.  _Vive le Roi!  Vive le Roi!_" and again
+there was an outburst of cheering.
+
+No one paid any attention to the princes and nobles following him; all
+the cheers were for the King and the King alone.
+
+I observed Raoul ride by, and presently John Humphreys appeared with
+the guards who surrounded the Queen's carriage.  Raoul was smiling,
+for, like a true Parisian, he enjoyed a pretty show, but the Englishman
+strode along as if he had a mind to be done with the business.  Just as
+he was on a level with me I received a great surprise.  On the other
+side of the road a little man had pushed himself right into the front
+line of spectators, and was gazing anxiously up and down as if
+expecting to recognise some one.
+
+"Why, surely," I said, half aloud, "that is my old acquaintance,
+Pillot!" and, looking a second time I became sure of it.
+
+The dwarf seemed ill at ease, and altogether unlike his usual self.
+His face, too, was white and pinched, as if he had been suffering from
+a severe illness.
+
+"_Parbleu!_" I muttered, "one would not think he had but just returned
+from the country!  Perhaps he missed the air of Paris!  Anyhow, I am
+glad he is back, as now I shall learn the truth as to my cousin's
+death.  When the procession is gone by I will beckon to him to come
+over."
+
+At that moment Pillot caught sight of me; he became more nervous than
+before, and to my astonishment instantly began edging back into the
+crowd till he was lost to view.  Now this curious behaviour set me
+thinking.  Why should Pillot endeavour to get out of my way?  Was he
+afraid that I should hand him over to Conde?  Certainly he had been
+mixed up in the plot, but so had Pierre and Francois, and the prince
+had not thought it worth while to imprison either of them.
+
+"There is some mystery about this which I must look into!" I muttered.
+"Pillot is not the man to slink away without reason."
+
+For the time, however, I could do nothing, but as soon as the King
+returned to the Palais Royal I began an eager but unavailing search for
+the dwarf.  He had disappeared completely, and there was no trace of
+him anywhere.
+
+In the evening Raoul and John Humphreys met at my rooms and I informed
+them of my discovery.  The Englishman thought little of it, saying
+Pillot was likely to keep out of my way, but Raoul, like myself,
+fancied he had some reason for his strange behaviour.
+
+"The fellow isn't afraid for himself," he declared.  "He knows Conde
+will not touch him, and besides, he is a plucky rascal.  Depend on it,
+there is something beneath this business, and I should guess it has to
+do with Henri de Lalande."
+
+"But my cousin is dead and buried!" I objected.
+
+"Chut!  You have no proof of it.  He may be in hiding for what we know,
+and waiting his opportunity.  According to all accounts, he will soon
+have little to fear from Conde."
+
+"The prince is lost," exclaimed Humphreys.  "Did you notice he stayed
+away to-day?  It is rumoured in the palace that the Queen is furious,
+and that there is to be no more giving quarter.  Conde will be an
+outlaw before long."
+
+"And it is my belief," remarked Raoul, "that when Conde goes, Henri
+will reappear.  Still, if you wish, Albert, we will help you to find
+Pillot."
+
+"The worst of it is I have not the faintest idea where to look."
+
+"We can try the house in the Rue de Roi."
+
+"The walk will do us good," said Humphreys, "and I am off duty till
+midnight;" so, putting on our hats, we went into the street.
+
+Paris was holding high holiday that evening.  The buildings were
+decorated with flags and streamers; bonfires cast a lurid light on the
+animated scene; crowds of people went to and fro, laughing merrily and
+cheering the nobles and ladies who rode by in their gorgeous carriages.
+The spell of the morning was on them all; and though many realised that
+the troubles would soon break out more fiercely than ever, every one
+seemed bent on making the most of the brief truce.
+
+"You Parisians are a remarkable set!" exclaimed Humphreys as we walked
+along; "I believe you would dance on the edge of a mine."
+
+"Till the explosion occurred!" laughed Raoul.  "Did you notice the
+folks in that carriage, Albert?  One was your friend Lautrec; he still
+follows Conde's fortunes.  Ah! there goes Marshal Turenne!"
+
+"A fine general!" remarked Humphreys.  "Why doesn't the Queen give him
+the command of the army?  He would make short work of Conde."
+
+"Wait till the prince draws the sword," said Raoul, "and we shall see.
+Have you forgotten that at present we are all friends?"
+
+The Englishman declared it was scarcely worth remembering, as, in a day
+or two, we were just as likely to be enemies, and I thought there was a
+considerable amount of truth in his remark.
+
+We wandered along slowly, chatting together, but scanning the faces of
+the passers-by and keeping a sharp look-out for Pillot.  There was,
+however, no sign of him, and I had just suggested going straight to the
+inn, when Raoul, suddenly taking a man by the arm, exclaimed,
+"Francois?  How lucky!  Why, you are just the fellow we want!" and
+turning round I saw that he was addressing the amiable spy of the Rue
+Crillon.
+
+Francois gazed at us with a beaming smile.  He was not a bad-hearted
+fellow, and bore no malice in spite of all that had passed.
+
+"Where are your friends?" asked Raoul.  "You should not be alone on
+such a night as this.  Where have you left Pillot?"
+
+"Pillot?" echoed Francois wonderingly.  "I have not seen him for weeks;
+he is in the country somewhere."
+
+"Oh, now, Francois, you are making fun of us!  We know that our friend
+Pillot is in Paris."
+
+"Monsieur is wiser than I, then!" replied Francois.  "They say, down in
+our quarter, that he went to bury his master and has not returned.  I
+assure monsieur that not one of his old friends has set eyes on him for
+a long time past."
+
+The man spoke so straightforwardly that even Raoul believed he was
+telling the truth, though it seemed strange, if Pillot were really back
+again, that none of his acquaintances should be aware of it.  Why had
+he kept himself hidden all this time?
+
+"We want to find him," said Raoul after a pause, "but not to do him any
+injury.  Suppose he has returned to Paris--if he ever went away--where
+is he most likely to be?  I assure you, Francois, that he has nothing
+to fear from us."
+
+"I cannot tell, monsieur.  I think you must have made a mistake.  If he
+were inside the walls I should have seen him.  He has not been back to
+any of his usual haunts."
+
+Evidently there was no information to be obtained from Francois, so
+Raoul gave him some money and let him go.
+
+"Perhaps the fellow was right in saying you had made a mistake,"
+remarked Humphreys, but this I would not admit.  Not only had I seen
+Pillot, but he had recognised me.
+
+"Let us try at La Boule d'Or," Raoul suggested, "and, if that is
+useless, we will not bother any further.  After all, it really is of
+small consequence one way or the other."
+
+The famous inn was crowded as usual, but Raoul conducted us to a
+private room, where, in a few minutes, we were joined by the landlord.
+He remembered me immediately, and began to speak of the trick I had
+played on the dwarf.
+
+"We have come to meet Pillot," interrupted Raoul playing a bold game;
+"tell him we are here."
+
+"But, monsieur, it is impossible!  He is not in my house.  He has been
+here only once since monsieur tied him up.  It would not be a safe
+place for him.  Besides, I have heard that he is no longer in Paris.
+Monsieur can search the place himself if he wishes.  At the present,
+the inn is empty of guests.  Two friends of the prince have been
+staying here, but they departed yesterday."
+
+"And all your rooms are free?"
+
+"That is so.  Monsieur is at liberty to search the house."
+
+"Come," said Raoul to us, "we are not likely to discover anything, but
+we shall feel more satisfied perhaps."
+
+Taking a candle the landlord led the way, and we tramped after him,
+searching every room.  Raoul knew the house thoroughly, so that nothing
+escaped us, and we were bound to admit that Pillot was not in the inn.
+Leaving us outside, Raoul entered the public rooms, but he could
+neither find the dwarf nor gain any information of him, and at last we
+departed, my comrades feeling more than half inclined to believe that
+my eyes had deceived me.
+
+However, as Raoul said, I should gain little even by finding Pillot.
+If my cousin still lived--which I sincerely hoped--he could not be in
+much danger from Conde.  Beneath all the gaiety and merriment of that
+night, it was easy to observe the shadow of coming trouble, and,
+indeed, before many days had passed Paris was again in a state of
+turmoil.
+
+Conde was almost openly in rebellion: the country trembled on the brink
+of civil war; of authority there was none save in the strong hand;
+every man did that which seemed right in his own eyes.  Bands of armed
+ruffians paraded the streets, robbing and murdering as they pleased;
+the soldiers quarrelled among themselves; the nobles fought in the
+public places, unsheathing their swords even in the Parliament House.
+Thoroughly wearied of this meaningless strife, I longed for a strong
+man, such as our present most gracious King has proved, who should whip
+these snarling dogs back to their kennels.
+
+One evening I sat at my window looking into the street below.  The
+inhabitants of the Rue des Catonnes were having fine doings.  From one
+end to the other they swarmed--a heaving mass of excited humanity.  It
+was plain that a crisis had arrived.  Paris was in rebellion, but
+against whom or what not one in a thousand knew or cared.  For the
+moment the people were masters, and they made the most of their
+opportunity.
+
+I watched their antics in amazement.  Costly furniture, handsome
+brocades, rich tapestry and gorgeous hangings littered the street.
+Grimy, unwashed ruffians swaggered about in clothes costly with lace,
+and plumed hats, some even carrying swords.  They were in the merriest
+humour imaginable, but I knew well that a chance word might change
+their mirth into madness.
+
+"They have plundered some nobleman's house," I muttered.  "I wonder who
+the victim is?"
+
+I was still sitting at the window when the tramp of horses' feet
+sounded in the distance, and presently D'Artagnan appeared at the end
+of the street with a body of cavalry.  For a minute or two it seemed as
+if the rioters would oppose his progress, but, having no leader, and
+perhaps being in no mood for a fight, they began to slink away by ones
+and twos into the houses.  A few lingered half defiantly, but obtaining
+no support from their fellows, they also disappeared, and not a blow
+was struck as the soldiers rode through the street.
+
+"Bravo!" I exclaimed, "the mischief may be stamped out yet.  I wonder
+if the other quarters are quiet," and, buckling on my sword, I crossed
+the room just as a man in dishevelled dress rushed panting up the
+stairs.
+
+I gazed at my unexpected visitor in amazement and rubbed my eyes.  Were
+they playing me false?  No!  It was Pillot sure enough, and he was
+gasping for breath.  Why had he come to me?
+
+"Just in time, monsieur," he stammered as he leaned against the wall to
+recover.
+
+"What is it?" I exclaimed.  "What do you want?  Quick, I am in a hurry."
+
+"Wait, monsieur.  Listen; you must!  I ran all the way to the Rue
+Crillon, but you were not there."
+
+"The Rue Crillon?" I interrupted, thinking of Madame Coutance and
+Marie.  "Is anything the matter there?  Are the ladies in danger?"
+
+"No, no," he answered impatiently.  "No one will harm them.  They are
+as safe as at Aunay.  It is of your cousin.  He calls for you,
+monsieur; he is dying--and alone!  Come with me, monsieur, quick!  I
+must return at once; he may be dead!"
+
+"A truce to this mummery," I said sternly.  "What new trick is this?
+Do you imagine I am to be trapped a second time?  My cousin is dead and
+buried; the Abbe himself told me."
+
+Pillot gazed at me in blank despair.  His face was white, his lips
+twitched nervously, his words came with a sob.
+
+"It is false, monsieur, false.  I deceived the Abbe as I deceived all
+for my master's sake.  I spread about the story of his death; I tricked
+De Retz because he could not be trusted.  To save his own life he would
+have thrown your cousin to the wolves.  It is each for himself,
+nowadays, monsieur.  I wormed out their plots: they could not deceive
+Pillot.  De Retz is a clever schemer, but the biggest rogues make
+mistakes.  He believed my tale, and so did Conde.  Only one man besides
+myself and M. de Lalande knew the truth, and I was obliged to trust
+him.  As to your cousin I have guarded him against all comers; I have
+nursed him day and night; I have tricked the soldiers, but now the end
+is come.  Prince and priest are welcome to the secret now."
+
+"But what do you wish me to do?" I asked suspiciously.
+
+"To soothe your cousin's last moments, monsieur; to close his eyes in
+death.  He calls for you always."
+
+If Pillot was playing a part, he was indeed a superb actor.  Yet still
+I hesitated, so intense was the distrust with which in these days each
+regarded his neighbour.
+
+"Do you doubt me, monsieur?" he asked.  "Do I plead for the dying in
+vain?  This is no trick.  Why should I deceive you?  We have been on
+opposite sides, but we have played the game fairly.  I have even gone
+out of my way to serve you.  It was I who sent the note warning you
+against our own trap."
+
+"And saved my life after I had blundered into it!"
+
+The dwarf watched my face as if his own life depended on my decision.
+
+"Pillot," I said at length, "I will trust you.  But, if you deceive me,
+so surely as you stand there I will run you through with my sword."
+
+"Monsieur is welcome in any case," he answered, "if only he will come
+at once."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+The Death of Henri.
+
+Many a time I had left the house in the Rue des Catonnes with a very
+doubtful chance of returning, but I had rarely gone out with such a
+pressing sense of danger as now.  Pillot's sudden appearance, his
+strange story, and the memory of former deceptions wrought on my
+nerves, and I almost wished Raoul or John Humphreys was with me.
+
+The rioters, too, now that the soldiers had departed, returned to the
+street in a very quarrelsome humour.  They stood in groups talking
+angrily; and one brawny ruffian, yelling "Death to the Nobles!" struck
+at me with a pike.  Happily my sword was free and I pinked his arm;
+still it would have gone hard with me but for Pillot, who procured us a
+passage by the use of some jargon well-known to these night-birds.
+
+"Be cautious, monsieur," he said, "the mob is growing dangerous.  The
+riot has not spread far, but to-morrow----!"
+
+"Will the city rise?"
+
+"Nothing can stop it, monsieur.  These people are like wild animals.
+You can excite them to a certain pitch, but beyond that----"
+
+"What is the grievance now?" I asked, and Pillot shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"There are many things, monsieur, but at present the chief is hunger.
+The inhabitants of these quarters are half starved, and they want to
+know why.  They will put the question very loudly in a day or two."
+
+"Will they rise against the throne?"
+
+"It all depends.  A whim or a word will do it.  Some one will cry 'Down
+with Conde!' and there is your revolution ready-made.  The man who is
+starving does not stop to reason.  The cry may be 'Down with the
+Nobles!'--no one knows as yet, and no one cares."
+
+Presently I asked why he had ventured abroad on the day when the King
+was declared of age.
+
+"My master was better then," he said, "and desired to learn how affairs
+were shaping.  We heard a rumour that Conde would not be present; so I
+went to find out.  It was a risky thing, and the sight of you
+frightened me."
+
+"It need not have done; I wish my cousin no harm."
+
+"True, monsieur, but we were not aware of that."
+
+"Where have you hidden your master?"
+
+"In an outhouse at La Boule d'Or.  We dared not take him to the inn; he
+would have been discovered.  I was afraid the other evening when you
+came with M. Beauchamp."
+
+"Then you saw us?"
+
+"I watched you enter, monsieur--and go away," and the rascal could not
+help chuckling.
+
+Through dirty courts and fetid alleys where the sun never shone, my
+guide led the way, bringing me at last to the familiar Rue de Roi.  My
+distrust had vanished by now, and I followed him unhesitatingly.
+Crossing the road and walking rapidly through a private passage, we
+reached the back of the inn.  The yard was in partial darkness, but I
+made out an old building which communicated by a covered way with the
+hostelry.  Lighting a candle, Pillot entered this passage and stood
+listening intently.  No sound could be heard; all was silent as the
+grave.
+
+"Too late!" he exclaimed sadly, and, heedless of me, sprang up the
+stairs two at a time, the flame of the candle flickering violently.  I
+heard him turn the handle of the door, and, running up quickly, passed
+in with him.
+
+The evening shadows were relieved only by the glimmer of the candle,
+but I gave no more than a passing glance at the wretched room.  Somehow
+I had felt convinced almost from the first that Pillot was telling the
+truth, and now the proof was before me.
+
+The dwarf, who had placed the candle on the table, was bending over a
+figure close by.  It was my cousin, wrapped in an old dressing-gown and
+seated in a deep arm-chair.  He looked wasted and white, his mouth was
+drawn at the corners, his eyes burned deep in their sockets with a red
+glow, I could almost see through the thin white hands that lay loosely
+on his lap.
+
+Pillot, as I have mentioned, bent over him, and called softly,
+"Monsieur, monsieur, your cousin has come; I have fetched your cousin."
+
+"Henri!" I cried--for the dying man apparently took no notice--"I am
+your cousin, your cousin Albert.  Do you not wish to speak to me?"
+
+There was a faint gleam of recognition in his eyes, and it appeared as
+if he were trying to brace himself; then he extended one hand, and said
+quietly, "Albert!"
+
+I urged him to let me send for a skilful surgeon, but he shook his head
+impatiently, saying, "No, no, he could do nothing.  Pillot has been my
+doctor and nurse.  Good little man!"
+
+One could perceive that he was dying, and I would not disturb him
+further, though the dwarf wished to carry him to his bed.
+
+Presently he looked at me with a faint smile whispering, "The elder
+branch will lead again.  It is well; you are a better De Lalande than
+I.  At one time I hoped we might have been friends, but you had chosen
+your part."
+
+"We can be friends yet."
+
+"No, no; it is too late.  What I have done I have done; but there is
+one matter pressing on my mind.  Will you forgive me for--for----"
+
+"The plot?" I put in cheerfully.  "Of course, I forgive you freely; it
+was all in the game."
+
+"You did not believe I meant to kill you?"
+
+"Not for an instant," I answered honestly.
+
+He lay back in his chair, and a gratified smile flickered across his
+face.
+
+"Maubranne did not tell me," he said feebly.  "He knew I would not--not
+consent.  I only intended to keep you shut up for a few weeks.  What
+have you done with Peleton?"
+
+"He is in the Bastille!  He informed Conde of all that he knew."
+
+"Pah!  I warned the Abbe against him, but he refused to listen.  Tell
+Raoul not to worry about me.  I should have recovered but for the
+soldiers.  Pillot had to move me.  It was horrible, but the end is near
+now.  Ask the Abbe to bury me in Paris."
+
+He stopped exhausted; his eyes closed; his head fell forward, and I
+thought that life was gone.  Pillot stood near me choking back his
+sobs.  I had not given him credit for such feeling.
+
+"Oh, monsieur," he whispered, "your cousin was good to me; I would have
+given my life freely to save his!"
+
+"Hush!  He is speaking again!"
+
+Very low and faint were the words, but we heard him say, "Pillot, are
+you there?  Good little man, I will not forget.  Fetch my cousin,
+Pillot.  Quick, do you hear?  Ah, _monsieur le prince_, you are too
+late!  It is a pity!" and he laughed derisively.
+
+There was silence for a time, and then I whispered softly, "Henri!" but
+he made no answer.
+
+The feeble light played on his face, half hiding, half revealing the
+ghastliness of it; and we, without speech or movement, stood watching
+him, till the candle sputtering out left us in darkness.  Pillot would
+have fetched another from the inn, but he feared to stir lest the sound
+should disturb the dying man.  How long we remained thus I cannot tell,
+but shortly before morning broke there came a strange, convulsive
+rattle from the huddled figure in the chair, and we knew that Henri de
+Lalande had passed from the power of man.
+
+"May his soul rest in peace!" said Pillot simply.
+
+"Amen," I replied, and, moving softly, closed the dead man's eyes.
+
+I was scarcely more than a lad then, and Henri's melancholy death in
+this wretched room made a deep impression on me.  It was a sad ending
+to what might have been a brilliant career.  The early dawn, creeping
+into the room, cast fantastic shadows everywhere, and the light falling
+on my cousin's face imparted to it a strange appearance of life.  I
+could almost have thought he was smiling at me.
+
+"I have lost a good master," said Pillot.  "You and he were not the
+best of friends, monsieur, but there are many worse men in Paris than
+the one who has just died."
+
+"I am sure of it," said I somewhat absently, for my thoughts had turned
+to the previous night's rioting.
+
+"The King is dead; live the King!"  What a world of meaning lies in
+those simple words!  I was really sorry for my cousin's death, but
+there was no leisure to indulge in grief; the living were in need of my
+assistance.
+
+Paris was up in arms!  The mob had already broken loose, and, unless
+the ruffians were quickly checked, no one could foretell how the tumult
+might end.  As yet only a house or two had been plundered, but within
+twenty-four hours Paris might be reduced to ashes.  I thought of Marie
+and her aunt, and determined by some means to get them from the city.
+It seemed pitiful to leave my cousin lying dead there, but I could do
+him no good, and Pillot would carry his message to De Retz.
+
+"Pillot," I exclaimed, "I must leave you to attend to your master's
+burial.  The Abbe will not refuse his last request.  I would stay, but
+it is necessary for me to attend the ladies in the Rue Crillon.  If the
+mob rises there may be danger."
+
+"You are right, monsieur!  Paris is no place for them at present.  Take
+them out of it as quickly as possible.  As to your cousin, I will see
+that he has proper burial; I will go to De Retz at once."
+
+"What will you do afterwards?  You will not care to serve the Abbe
+again?"
+
+"Ah, no!  I would wring his neck with pleasure, monsieur!"
+
+"I do not wish that.  Come, let me make you an offer.  I am not rich
+like my cousin, but if you will take service with me, I will arrange
+that you are properly paid."
+
+"After all that has passed?  Monsieur is exceedingly trustful."
+
+"Because I am aware how loyal you have been to M. de Lalande."
+
+"Very well, monsieur; let it be so.  You will find that I shall serve
+you faithfully."
+
+"I am sure of that.  Now listen.  As soon as my cousin is buried, start
+for Aunay--you know the road.  If you do not find me there I shall have
+gone to join the Cardinal and you can follow.  Here is some money; you
+will need it before we meet again."
+
+As soon as these matters were arranged we went out, and Pillot
+carefully secured the door.  The morning had broken cold and gray, a
+drizzling rain fell, the streets were deserted; the night-owls, wearied
+by their exertions, had returned to their roosts.
+
+"There is still time to see Raoul," I muttered; so, bidding Pillot go
+straight to the Abbe, I turned off in the direction of the Luxembourg.
+
+At the Palace the change from the stillness of the city was startling.
+The gates were closed and guarded; soldiers, fully equipped, stood at
+their posts; the courtyard was filled with nobles in a state of
+excitement.  Happily for my purpose Raoul observed me and came to the
+gate.
+
+"What has alarmed you so down here?" I inquired.  "Is the Duke afraid
+of a siege?"
+
+"Have you not heard the news?  Come inside where we can talk.  It has
+all happened just as we reckoned it would.  Conde has thrown off the
+mask and broken with the Court.  It is rumoured that Spain has offered
+him a body of troops, and that he intends to tempt fortune in a Civil
+War.  The Queen is firm and does not mean to let him back out; it is do
+or die for him now."
+
+"All the better; we shall be able to distinguish friends from enemies.
+It will be an awful thing, but once Conde is well beaten the country
+will stand a chance of peace.  The Duke of Orleans will join forces
+with the Queen?"
+
+"I cannot say," answered Raoul shamefacedly; "he is pulled this way and
+that, by both parties.  Most probably he will wait to find how things
+go."
+
+"Then he is a coward as well as a traitor!  _Faugh!_ I wonder you have
+patience to stay with him!  I can understand a loyalist and even a
+rebel, but a weather-cock like the Duke is beyond me.  Why does he not
+come boldly into the open?  This twisting and turning will do him no
+good.  One would imagine he was a hunted hare."
+
+"There is no need to ask what you will do?"
+
+"Not a bit, I shall join the royal army and serve as a trooper, if no
+better berth offers.  Thank goodness the field is clear now, and we
+shall know where we stand.  But first I must get Marie and her aunt out
+of the city.  Paris will not be safe for them when the mob rises, as it
+is sure to do.  But I have some further news; my cousin is dead."
+
+"I thought you said he died weeks ago."
+
+"Pillot spread that rumour about, but there can be no mistake now, as I
+have just come from his deathbed," and, while my friend listened
+attentively, I related the strange story of the past night.
+
+"Poor fellow!" exclaimed Raoul; "we were never very friendly, but I am
+sorry for him.  He would have made a name for himself in time.  He must
+have had some good points for Pillot to stick to him so closely.  The
+little man will be lost without his master."
+
+"He has taken service with me."
+
+"I have no doubt he will serve you well.  Shall you go to the Rue
+Crillon at once?"
+
+"Yes, and endeavour to induce Madame Coutance to leave before the
+danger becomes pressing.  Well, I must be off, and I wish you were
+coming with me."
+
+"I shall follow you," he said resolutely, "and fight for the Crown,
+with or without the consent of the Duke."
+
+"Bravo, old friend!" I cried impetuously.  "Conde against De Retz or
+Orleans I can understand; but Conde against the Throne is another
+matter.  The point of every honest man's sword should be turned against
+a traitor!  Why not come now?"
+
+"Because the Duke may yet take the field for the Queen!  He must make
+up his mind in a few days at the most."
+
+He walked with me to the gate, and after a brief farewell I set out
+towards the city.  Thus far nothing unusual had occurred, but there
+were numerous signs of a coming storm.  Most of the shops remained
+closed, door and windows were barricaded, sober Black Mantles, armed
+from head to foot, stood in groups talking of the situation.  The
+denizens of the courts still rested, but some, more energetic than
+their neighbours, made furtive excursions into the main streets.  They
+slunk along with pike and club, as if even now half doubtful of their
+own strength, though here and there a self-appointed leader shouted for
+death to the nobles.  But the time was not yet.  The appetite of the
+_canaille_ was not sufficiently whetted; later they would be ready for
+the feast.
+
+Walking quickly to the Rue Crillon, I found the ladies breakfasting,
+and was glad to join them, as I had eaten nothing for many hours.  They
+were not aware of the previous night's riot, and Madame Coutance
+laughed at the idea of leaving the city.
+
+"There is no danger," she declared, "and, besides, I have business in
+Paris."
+
+"But your friends are gone," I urged.  "You have heard that Conde has
+turned traitor?"
+
+She flushed angrily, and answered in her masterful way, "I know the
+prince has taken up arms to secure his rights."
+
+"In any case he is not here to protect you from the fury of the mob."
+
+"Bah!" said she scornfully, "a pack of cowards!  Any one--a woman
+even--could send them flying with a riding-whip!"
+
+Argument was thrown away on her, but I did my best, even exaggerating
+the danger, and begging her to depart if only for the sake of her
+niece.  However, she remained obstinate; not, I think, out of mere
+bravado, but because she misjudged the strength of the rising.
+Standing at the window, she pointed to the quiet street, saying
+triumphantly, "Where is the danger, M. de Lalande?  The Rue Crillon
+looks to me as peaceful as the park at Aunay.  Besides, the citizens
+are in favour of the prince, and they will not injure us."
+
+Shrugging my shoulders impatiently, I made no reply; she must bear the
+consequence of her folly.  Even Marie seemed to think lightly of the
+peril, though she thanked me prettily for my thoughtfulness.  At last,
+annoyed by my failure, I bade them farewell, and returning to the
+Luxembourg despatched a soldier in search of Raoul, who looked
+surprised at seeing me again.
+
+"The woman is an imbecile," he exclaimed angrily, "but we must save her
+in spite of herself, if it is at all possible.  Are you aware that the
+gates are guarded, and that no one is allowed to pass without a permit?
+The Duke has just issued the order."
+
+"In that case I may as well abandon the idea of getting them through,
+unless you can obtain a permit for us."
+
+"I will try, if you will wait here a few minutes," and off he went to
+the palace.
+
+"Another plot, De Lalande?" cried a laughing voice at my elbow, and,
+turning my head, I perceived Armand d'Arcy, who had just come up.
+
+"Only an attempt to get Madame Coutance and her niece out of the city.
+I am afraid there will be mischief in a day or two."
+
+"Sooner than that, my friend!  The pikes are being sharpened and the
+_canaille_ will be all armed by nightfall.  I suppose you have heard
+the news of Conde?"
+
+"That he has shown his true colours?  Yes! it is the best thing that
+could have happened.  Of course you are for the Crown and against
+Conde?"
+
+"I am for the Duke of Orleans," said he.
+
+"What, against the King?"
+
+"Against the world, if it comes to that!  I chose him as my patron and
+must stand by him, though I hope he will not assist Conde."
+
+"If he does you will be a rebel."
+
+"All right," cried he, with his merry laugh, "there will be small
+novelty in that.  Ah! here comes Beauchamp, looking as solemn as an
+owl.  Can you not manage to screw out a smile, Raoul?  A glimpse of
+yourself in a glass just now would frighten you to death.  Look a bit
+lively, there is plenty of time for being miserable."
+
+"Brule has arrived with his report," said Raoul, "and things are even
+worse than we expected; the barricades will be up to-night.  Here,
+Albert, take care of this," and he gave me an order signed by the Duke:
+"Allow bearer and two friends to pass the gate of St. Denis without
+question or delay."
+
+"Thanks," said I, slipping it into my pocket, "it may mean all the
+difference between life and death, though whether Madame Coutance will
+leave is more than I can tell.  And now, good-bye, for the second time;
+I am going to my rooms for a few minutes, and after that to the Rue
+Crillon."
+
+"Avoid the short cuts," D'Arcy advised; "or you may get into trouble,
+and if you are invited to cry 'Down with the King!' shout with all your
+might.  Better to use your breath unpleasantly than to lose it
+altogether."
+
+"It is as likely to be 'Down with Conde!' as anything else," I answered
+laughing, "and in that case you will hear my voice at the Luxembourg."
+
+"By the way," said Raoul, "have you seen John Humphreys?"
+
+"No, I must spare five minutes for him.  It is only a hop, skip, and
+jump from my place to the Palais Royal," and, with their good wishes
+ringing in my ears, I set off for the Rue des Catonnes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+The Mob Rises.
+
+"Ah! it is monsieur!" and my landlord came from his room, where he had
+evidently been watching for me.  "A note from the Palais Royal,
+monsieur!  The messenger has called three times; it is of importance."
+
+"From the Palais Royal?  Let me see it.  Ah! what a nuisance.  Well, I
+must attend to it; meanwhile, get me a coarse blue woollen overall and
+a workman's cap.  My finery and plumed hat are likely to cause trouble."
+
+"They shall be at once obtained, monsieur," said he without a trace of
+surprise.
+
+"Good!" and I turned back, glancing again at the paper as I walked.
+
+"Come to me at once.  Le Tellier."  That was all!  What was in the wind
+now?  The under-minister had kept me waiting long enough, and sought my
+service just when I required leisure for other matters.  If Le
+Tellier's business did not fit in with my own it must wait, as I had
+resolved on saving Marie and her aunt at all costs.
+
+Inside the gates John Humphreys met me.  He was in good humour, and
+delighted that Conde had at last thrown down the gauntlet.
+
+"It is a straight fight now," said he; "the sort of thing I understand.
+It is rumoured that the Queen will leave Paris, and the guards will
+escort her.  Have you a berth in the King's household yet?"
+
+"No, I am still unattached, but Le Tellier has just sent for me; so
+there is no knowing what may happen.  By the way, I have seen my
+cousin," and I related briefly the story of his illness and death.
+
+"Bravo, Pillot!" exclaimed Humphreys when I had finished; "he's a
+plucky rascal, and loyal, too.  What will become of him now that his
+master is dead?"
+
+"He has agreed to take service with me.  But I must go; Le Tellier has
+been waiting for some time," and I proceeded quickly to the
+under-minister's apartment.
+
+"At last, M. de Lalande," rather irritably.  "I began to wonder if you
+had left Paris!  Are you still willing to do the King a service?"
+
+"I shall be delighted, monsieur."
+
+"Humph!" said he, making a wry face, "I am not so sure of that.  I
+intend to send you on a dangerous errand.  You will need a keen eye,
+sharp brain, and, as likely as not, a strong arm.  My last messenger
+was waylaid and nearly killed, and you may fare even worse."
+
+"The prospect is not over pleasant," I answered laughing, "but I may
+have better luck."
+
+"I hope you will," said he doubtfully, "but it is a risky venture.  You
+know that Cardinal Mazarin is at Bruhl, near Cologne?  Well, it is
+necessary to take him an important paper."
+
+"There seems small risk in that!"
+
+"There you are wrong.  It is well understood that letters pass to and
+fro, and his enemies are on the watch.  It may be they will learn your
+secret before you get outside the gates.  Their spies are everywhere;
+even, I may say, in the Palace itself.  Now, will you undertake the
+commission?"
+
+"Certainly, but I cannot travel on foot."
+
+"There are horses in France, I suppose."
+
+"One cannot buy them without money, which so far, has never been
+plentiful with me."
+
+"Oh," said he, "I will attend to that.  The King cannot afford to be
+niggardly in this matter, eh?" and without even making a wry face he
+gave me a liberal supply of money.
+
+"Now," he continued, when I had replaced my purse, "this is a serious
+affair, and the Court will depend not only on your courage but on your
+skill.  Mazarin must receive that letter, and no one else must see it.
+Do you understand?"
+
+"Perfectly, monsieur."
+
+"You will leave Paris to-night; trust no one, and remember that every
+man you meet on the road may be a spy in Conde's pay."
+
+"Then the chief danger is to be expected from the prince?"
+
+"From every one," he exclaimed sharply.  "King's friends.  Queen's
+friends, _Frondeurs_ and _petits maitres_ are all to be suspected until
+that letter is placed in Mazarin's own hands."
+
+Being a very tiny packet it was hidden without much difficulty, and,
+after listening to Le Tellier's cautions all over again, I left the
+apartment.  Humphreys was waiting in the courtyard, but, staying only
+to whisper, "Secret service," I hurried on to my own rooms.
+
+"Monsieur will find his things on the bed," said the landlord; "they
+are rather shabby, but they will attract less notice than new ones."
+
+I asked if the town was quiet, and with a shrug, of his shoulders he
+said, "As yet, but there will be mischief presently.  Monsieur is wise
+to put on an overall if he wishes to walk abroad."
+
+"I am going to look on, nothing more.  Now bring me something to eat,
+and I will pay your bill."
+
+"I am obliged," said he as coolly as if it were an everyday incident,
+though I am sure he must have felt surprised at such an unexpected
+stroke of luck.  I know I was astonished at my own ability to pay him.
+
+"Monsieur will return?" said he questioningly, when at last I was ready
+to depart.
+
+"I trust so.  Keep the rooms for me."
+
+He took the money, opened the door, and bowed low as I went out.  He
+had always treated me well, and I was glad to have the means of
+settling my debt to him.
+
+A considerable change had taken place in the streets since the morning,
+and there were numerous signs of the threatening storm.  The Black
+Mantles had disappeared, having shut themselves up in their barricaded
+houses.  Brawny men, half-naked and unwashed, patrolled the roadway,
+mostly in two and threes, but here and there in larger groups.  Every
+one had a weapon, pike or club, axe or chopper, while a certain
+proportion carried horse-pistols, or blunderbusses.
+
+I pushed on quickly through the crowd to the Rue Crillon, feeling more
+alarmed at every step, as the promenaders were rapidly getting ripe for
+mischief.  Thus far I believe they had no settled purpose beyond
+general plunder, but no one could tell what might happen at any moment.
+I ought really to have gone on with Le Tellier's note, but I could not
+make up my mind to abandon the ladies.  Most of their friends had
+followed Conde, Raoul could not leave the Luxembourg, and they were
+practically alone in Paris.
+
+When I reached the Rue Crillon it was nearly empty, and I managed to
+pass unobserved into my friends' house.  Marie and her aunt were
+sitting in an upstairs room that faced the street.  Madame Coutance was
+looking out with an expression of scorn, but the girl's face was pale
+and apprehensive.  At first they failed to recognise me in my workman's
+disguise, but after a second or two the elder lady exclaimed, "Why
+surely it is M. de Lalande, our cavalier, the knight-errant who goes
+about rescuing distressed dames.  But why this mummery, my trusty
+knight?  What does it mean?"
+
+"That I intend doing my utmost to save your life, madame.  Come, before
+the mob begins to work mischief.  Raoul has procured me a permit which
+will pass us through the gates."
+
+"You have grown wondrous timid of a sudden," she laughed.  "I can
+perceive no sign of danger.  There are a few people in the street, but
+they are quiet enough."
+
+"They are swarming from their dens in all quarters of the town, madame,
+and they are as likely as not to come here."
+
+"But why should they?" she inquired, and I could only reply by asking
+why they should not.
+
+"They cannot wish to injure us," exclaimed Marie; "we have done them no
+harm!" a remark which showed how little the girl understood the
+passions of an angry mob.
+
+For ten minutes or more I stood there begging Madame Coutance to
+escape, and all the while the number of people in the street steadily
+increased.  They had done no mischief as yet, but passed their time in
+an aimless sort of promenade, shouting, singing, and mocking at any
+well-dressed passer-by.  Once the whole crowd for some reason swept
+into the adjoining street, and for a brief period the Rue Crillon was
+left empty.
+
+"Your bogey has vanished, Albert," cried Madame Coutance in triumph; "I
+told you there was no danger."
+
+"I trust madame will prove the surer prophet, but I am still doubtful."
+
+"Here they come again!" cried Marie.  "What a horrid din!  What are
+they doing, Albert?"
+
+"Singing, but I cannot distinguish the words.  They are growing more
+restless now.  I should like to see D'Artagnan ride up with his
+troopers; he would soon clear the road.  But I expect there is
+sufficient work for him in other parts."
+
+For a while we stood, half hidden by the heavy curtains, watching the
+antics of the crowd, and wondering what would happen next.  The people
+moved to and fro like caged animals, walking a few steps and turning
+back or crossing repeatedly from one side of the road to the other.  A
+body of soldiers would have dispersed them easily, as they had neither
+purpose nor leader.
+
+Presently they began to cluster more thickly at a spot some twenty
+yards below our house, and then I saw a big ragged fellow holding aloft
+a red flag, while another was pointing to it, and talking violently.  I
+could not hear what he said, but every now and then the crowd shouted
+approval of his words.
+
+"The fellow is hatching trouble," I muttered to myself, and, almost
+unconsciously, I felt for Le Tellier's note.
+
+"They will attack the Palais Royal," said Madame Coutance.  "They are
+angry because the prince has been driven away.  I am sorry for the
+Queen, but they will not hurt her, if she promises to recall him."
+
+"Be still!" I exclaimed with more freedom than politeness, "and listen.
+Now, can you understand?"
+
+It had come at last.  Chance or fate had given the mob a cry, which was
+all they needed.  They were bent on plunder and violence, and any
+excuse was good enough.  Low, deep, and stern, like the early rumblings
+of a volcano, the cry sounded; then the volume swelled, became clearer
+and more piercing, till at last in one stupendous roar it shook the
+place.
+
+"Down with Conde!  Down with Conde!"
+
+Marie shivered and gave a gasp of terror, but her aunt still smiled
+scornfully; she was really an amazing woman.
+
+"What imbeciles!" she exclaimed; "they do not know who is their best
+friend."
+
+"Nor care," said I, "they intend being their own friends this evening.
+Stay there a moment while I see to things downstairs."
+
+"Do not venture into the street, Albert," cried Marie, "you will be
+killed," and I promised to take no risks.
+
+Collecting the servants, who were half dead through fright, I set them
+to work barricading the lower part of the house, and as soon as they
+had done all that was possible, I ran again up the stairs to the room
+which the ladies still occupied.  By now the street was packed, and
+more than one dwelling house had been broken open.  Out went costly
+furniture to be smashed into fragments by the howling rioters, and,
+"Down with Conde!  Death to the friends of Conde!" echoed and re-echoed
+on all sides.
+
+The mob moved nearer, and attacked the house on the opposite side of
+the street.  Crash went the door, and the people rushed in with cries
+of triumph.  We saw them appear in a room on a level with our own; the
+window was flung open, and a beautiful statue was hurled on to the
+pavement below.  Down came rich hangings, costly pictures and gilded
+mirrors; the small articles only were stolen, the others were hacked
+and chopped and trampled to pieces underfoot.
+
+"Madame," said I firmly, "you must delay no longer.  For your niece's
+sake, if not for your own, you must attempt to escape."
+
+A loud howl added force to my advice, and a dozen stalwart hands banged
+at our frail barricade.  It could not resist long, and what chance
+would there be for us, when the rioters had swept it away?
+
+"Down with the house!  Burn it!  Burn it!  Have them out!  Friends of
+Conde to the death!  Room there for Pierre's club!  Bravo, Pierre!"
+
+"Madame," I cried passionately, "listen to reason.  Do you want this
+innocent girl killed before your eyes?  These wild beasts will have no
+mercy."
+
+"It is too late," she answered calmly, "and we both come from a race
+that knows how to die."
+
+"It is not too late; there is still a chance.  Get some clothes from
+the servants, and disguise yourselves; we can slip out at the back."
+
+Even then I believe she would have stood her ground, but for Marie's
+evident terror.  The poor girl could not conceal her dismay, and her
+eyes distended in fright as the hungry roar of the mob leaped from the
+street.  Those in front hacked at the barrier: those behind urged on
+their fellows with deep-mouthed baying.
+
+"In!  In!  Set it on fire!  Death to Conde's friends!" they roared.
+
+"Go!" said I sternly, pushing Madame Coutance out of the room, "and I
+pray that this poor girl's death is not laid to your account."
+
+The terrified servants had already fled, but madame found some
+garments, in which the two dressed.  I waited for them on the stairs,
+and my blood ran cold at the yells of the ravenous pack below.  Crash!
+Crash!  The barrier was yielding!  A few more stout blows and they
+would be upon us.  A second, aye, even half a second might mean the
+difference to us between life and death.
+
+"Quick!  Quick!" I cried, as the ladies in their borrowed dresses ran
+from the room.  "The barricade will fall at any moment!"
+
+Half dragging, half supporting Marie, Madame Coutance and I ran swiftly
+along the landing, as, with the noise of a river in flood, the crowd
+burst into the hall.
+
+"Down with Conde!"
+
+The shout was appalling, and even Marie's aunt, for all her bravado,
+shrank at it.  The sound of the savage voices urged us on, through the
+servants' quarters, down a narrow staircase, into the kitchen, and so
+to the yard beyond.  The door was already wide open, and we pushed
+through to a side street.  Just in time!  A portion of the mob had
+swept round to the back of the house, and almost directly we found
+ourselves in the midst of the crowd, fighting, pushing, struggling,
+with all our might to force a way through.
+
+Marie, poor girl, clung to me nervously in an almost fainting state,
+but her aunt walked boldly with head erect and her eyes flashing like
+stars.  In spite of the terrible danger I could hardly repress a smile
+at sight of this high-born dame in her servant's dress, compelled to
+struggle with the _canaille_ like a woman of the markets.  To make
+matters worse, we were forced to cry aloud, "Down with Conde!" which I
+did lustily, but madame made many wry faces, and, but for her niece,
+would have refused outright.  It was quite painful enough for her to
+hear others insulting the great hero.
+
+Twice we were swung back to the door of the house, which was now
+completely wrecked; then, still surrounded by the mob, we were tossed,
+like floating straws, clear of the street.  Since that night I have
+taken part in more than one fierce battle, but have never experienced
+the same feeling of horror as during that eventful struggle in the Rue
+Crillon.
+
+The danger was not yet over; we had still some distance to walk, and
+every few yards we met groups of rioters hurrying to the work of
+destruction.  Some cried, "Down with the Queen!" or "Down with the
+Parliament!" but most of them yelled "Down with Conde!" because for the
+moment that was the popular cry.
+
+Just at first we walked rather briskly, but very soon Marie's pace
+became slower, she hung with greater weight on my arm, and I feared
+every moment she would faint; It was evident that unless she got better
+we should not reach St. Denis that night.
+
+We were in a fairly quiet street when Madame Coutance suddenly
+exclaimed, "Let us rest a few minutes in this doorway.  Marie, look up,
+child; there is nothing to fear now; we are safe here."
+
+For answer, the girl, whose nerves were completely overwrought,
+shuddered and sobbed.
+
+"Take me away," she cried, "oh, take me away.  Back to Aunay; anywhere
+out of this horrible place."
+
+"That is what we are going to do," I said soothingly.  "I have a
+special permit which will pass us through the gate of St. Denis.  But
+you must be strong and brave, or we shall not get there."
+
+"I will try," she moaned, "I will try; but oh, it is horrible."
+
+"Hush!" exclaimed her aunt sharply, "listen."
+
+I had been too much occupied with Marie to pay attention to anything
+else, but now I distinctly heard the sound of voices on the other side
+of the door.
+
+"Poor child," a woman was saying softly, "she is half dead with fright.
+Let her come in, I say."
+
+"But the rioters?" exclaimed a second person.
+
+"Pouf!  The street is clear enough.  Take down the bar, Jules."  Then
+we heard a sound as of a heavy bar being removed.
+
+The door opened ever so slightly and a woman cried, "Quick, come in,
+before you are seen.  Where is the poor girl?  Cheer up, my little one,
+no one shall harm you here.  Now, Jules, put up the bar again!  Ah!
+that is right.  This way, monsieur," and she led us all into a tiny
+room, poorly furnished, but neat and clean.
+
+She was a comely woman of middle age, rather short, with bright keen
+eyes, and pleasant face: her husband, Jules, was a ruddy-cheeked man,
+bald on the top of his head, but with a ring of stiff white hair which
+stood up like a fence.
+
+"It is really very generous of you to risk so much for strangers," I
+began, but the woman would not let me finish.
+
+"One cannot let a child die for want of a helping hand," said she
+briskly, "and as for these brigands, I would cut off all their heads at
+a blow.  Ah, it is easy to see that you do not belong to the
+_canaille_."
+
+I have had little experience of the sea, but as we sat in that room I
+think we must have felt like sailors who, after a stormy voyage, have
+glided into a peaceful harbour.
+
+Both Jules and his wife were very attentive, especially to Marie, who
+was getting much calmer; they gave us food and drink, and offered to
+hide us in the house as long as we cared to stay.
+
+"It is growing late," said they, "and you cannot go abroad to-night.
+To-morrow----"
+
+"The danger will be just as great," interrupted Madame Coutance.  "We
+thank you for your kind offer, but, believe me, it will be better for
+us to depart now.  Monsieur has a pass, and once outside the city we
+shall be safe."
+
+"And to-morrow," said Marie, "it may be too late.  Besides, you may get
+into trouble for hiding us, and then I should never forgive myself."
+
+As far as my plans were concerned it was better to start at once, but I
+took no part in the discussion one way or the other, though feeling
+extremely pleased when Madame Coutance decided that we should sleep
+outside Paris.
+
+The kindness of our good Samaritans, and the relief from the tumult,
+had done Marie so much good that she was ready to face the danger
+again, so, at the end of an hour, we prepared to start.  I offered
+Jules a sum of money, but neither he nor his wife would take it, and we
+could only thank them, and hope they would not suffer for having
+afforded us a temporary refuge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+The Ladies Leave Paris.
+
+We could still hear the hoarse shouts of the people, but the streets in
+the direction of St. Denis were quiet, and the darkness prevented us
+from being observed.  As Marie had recovered her strength we walked
+quickly, and finally arrived at the gate, where the Duke of Orleans had
+stationed a double guard.  The officer on duty regarded us with
+suspicion, but I showed him the order, which he dared not disobey.
+
+"You may pass, monsieur," said he with mocking politeness, "it is not
+for me to disapprove of the Duke's friends."
+
+The fellow's words roused my anger, and my face burned, but time was
+too precious for me to quarrel with him.  We had saved our lives, it is
+true, but our plight was still miserable enough.
+
+"We must find somewhere to sleep," said Madame Coutance, "and in the
+morning we can hire a carriage.  Marie is too tired to walk farther."
+
+This was the best plan, but I knew nothing of St. Denis, and it was
+only after a weary search that I secured accommodation for them in a
+small inn.  The place was dirty, and the landlord ugly enough to
+frighten one, but Marie and her aunt behaved very bravely, making no
+complaint.  They retired to their room at once, while I kept guard
+outside the door with loaded pistols and naked sword.
+
+The next morning I learned the lesson that it is not always well to
+judge by appearances.  Touched by the ladies' distress, the innkeeper
+did all he could to help me, and, through his assistance, I succeeded
+in hiring a wretched cart to carry us a stage on our journey.
+
+"I am sorry it is such a poor affair," said the man, "but there is not
+a carriage in the place.  It is strange how many people have left Paris
+during the last few days.  One would think the plague had broken out."
+
+"The plague would have been less harmful," said I, remembering the
+scene in the Rue Crillon.
+
+In view of Le Tellier's note all this delay was extremely awkward, but
+there was no help for it; I could not leave Marie and her aunt stranded
+at St. Denis.
+
+Madame Coutance laughed merrily at sight of the clumsy vehicle, and she
+joked on my taste in choosing such an elegant equipage.  However, we
+made the inside fairly comfortable with rugs and cushions, and, having
+paid the inn-keeper, I assisted the ladies to their seats and clambered
+in after them.  The driver, a stolid, thick-headed fellow, cracked his
+whip, and we started off at a brisk trot, which, however, the horses
+did not keep up long.
+
+Hitherto there had been no opportunity to speak of my cousin's death,
+but now I informed my companions of what had happened.  Both were
+deeply grieved at the news, Madame Coutance especially showing more
+feeling than I should have expected.
+
+"Did he die of his wound?" she asked.
+
+"In a measure; but chiefly from the hardships endured through hiding
+from Conde."
+
+"The prince would have forgiven him!"
+
+"On conditions; and Henri would have refused them.  My cousin was not
+the best of men, but he was loyal to his friends."
+
+"You are right," exclaimed Madame Coutance warmly; "in many ways Henri
+de Lalande was a gallant gentleman.  And now, what are you going to do?"
+
+"As soon as you reach Aunay I shall join the King's friends."
+
+"Ah!" she exclaimed with a smile, "I know you are against the prince,
+but I wish you success for yourself, and if you fall, well, the
+battlefield is a fit resting-place for a gentleman of France."
+
+"I shall pray for you, Albert," whispered Marie, "that you may come
+safely through every danger.  I hate all this fighting and bloodshed,
+and wish the country could be at peace."
+
+"It will be soon," I answered, and then for a while we journeyed in
+silence.
+
+About four o'clock in the afternoon we reached a large village, and the
+driver pulled up at the principal inn.  This was the end of his stage,
+and though we offered him a handsome sum of money he refused to go a
+yard farther.  He declared that his horses required rest, which was
+true enough, and that his master had ordered him to return to St. Denis
+in the morning.
+
+"We must make the best of it," exclaimed Madame Coutance; "I daresay we
+can obtain some sort of accommodation for the night."
+
+Our reception was far from encouraging, but when the innkeeper
+discovered that we were not penniless, his manner changed.  The ladies
+were shown into the best room, a chamber was made ready for them, and
+the servants received orders to prepare a good meal.  All this was
+extremely pleasant, but there was a greater slice of luck to follow.
+As soon as I had explained the situation he offered to solve our
+difficulty.  A carriage?  Certainly, he had the very thing, and a team
+of beautiful horses as well.  Of course it would be expensive, but
+then, no doubt, monsieur would be willing to pay for the privilege.
+
+Finally it was agreed that we should start at dawn, and I went to sleep
+that night with a feeling of relief.  It was barely light when we sat
+down to breakfast, and the ladies shivered on going into the cold air,
+but the carriage was comfortable, and, when the leathern coverings were
+drawn down, warm.
+
+"Decidedly an improvement on the open cart," exclaimed Madame Coutance,
+as she leaned back against the cushions.  "We ought to reach Aunay
+before nightfall."
+
+I earnestly hoped we should, as I was becoming uneasy concerning Le
+Tellier's note.  However, as nothing could be done until the ladies
+were placed in safety, I endeavoured to dismiss the subject from my
+mind, and to appear as pleasant as possible.  There is no need to
+linger over the details of the journey.  We stopped two or three times
+for food and rest, and at one place to change the horses, but we met
+with no adventure of any kind, and arrived at the chateau about three
+o'clock, quite two hours sooner than I had dared to hope.
+
+"Home again," said Marie softly, as we entered the hall, "and I hope it
+will be long before we leave it."
+
+"Not until the prince rides triumphantly into Paris!" exclaimed her
+aunt.  "Why do you smile, M. de Lalande?  The prince has already beaten
+Mazarin, and he will make short work of the rest."
+
+"Very likely, madame," I said, not wishing to be drawn into an
+argument, but, remembering the note in my pocket, I greatly doubted if
+the Cardinal were as completely overcome as his enemies believed.
+
+It was a difficult matter to get away from Aunay that evening.  The
+ladies declared I was tired, and begged me to stay until the next day,
+but this, though they were not aware of it, was out of the question.
+Finding at last that I was resolved to depart, Madame Coutance insisted
+on my wearing a plumed hat which had belonged to her husband, and told
+me to choose the best saddle-horse in her stables.
+
+"True," said she, with a charming smile, "you are an enemy to the
+prince, but I do not forget that you are also one of my best friends."
+
+[Transcriber's note: illustration missing from book]
+
+The scene of my departure from the chateau is still very vivid in my
+memory.  It was evening, and the sky flushed red with the glories of
+the setting sun.  From afar came the tinkling of bells, the lowing of
+kine, and the chatter of the serving-men.  The ladies stood on the
+terrace overlooking the fine park, and as I rode off they waved their
+hands in farewell, and wished me God-speed on the journey.
+
+I was half sorry to plunge again into the strife, but the beautiful
+evening and the brisk ride soon restored my spirits.  I wished Pillot
+had been with me, not alone for the sake of his company, but for his
+help also.  However, I was young and strong, and having a certain
+amount of confidence in myself rode on cheerily enough.
+
+On the third evening after leaving the chateau I arrived at Rheims,
+passing into the town just before the closing of the gates.  The
+streets were filled with people who wore an air of excitement as if
+something was going forward.  A number of soldiers loitered about in
+groups, but whether they were the King's friends or Conde's I could not
+determine, as they wore no distinguishing colours.
+
+Riding slowly down one of the less frequented streets, I discovered an
+inn which had every appearance of being clean and comfortable.
+
+"This is the place to suit me," I said half aloud, and was proceeding
+to dismount, when I caught sight of a man staring hard in my direction
+from the window of the opposite house, and while I was talking to the
+ostler the stranger had run down and clapped me on the back in the
+heartiest manner.  He looked rather like a soldier of fortune who had
+fallen on evil times.  His finery was distinctly faded, but he carried
+a good sword, and seemed capable of using it.  His face was tanned by
+exposure to the weather, both cheeks bore the marks of sword-cuts, and
+there was a scar on his forehead just above the left eye.  Altogether
+he appeared a far from desirable acquaintance.
+
+"Henri, my boy," he cried, giving me another tremendous thwack, "how
+came you here?  Ah, you are a sly rascal!  Plotting more mischief, eh?
+Well, well, you are safe for me, though I am for the King."
+
+The speaker rattled on at such a rate that I could scarcely manage to
+put in, "Pardon me, monsieur, but you have made a mistake."
+
+"A mistake?" he exclaimed.  "_Peste!_  I must be growing old.  My
+eyesight is failing.  Aren't you Henri de Lalande?  You are very much
+like him.  Ah, no, I perceive now you are younger.  He is an old
+friend, but we see little of each other.  I am in the King's service
+and he is a Frondeur.  But in private life, you know, eh?" and he gave
+me a vigorous dig in the ribs, following it up by saying, "Perhaps
+monsieur is a relative?"
+
+I cannot say what my answer would have been, but just then I received
+another shock.  A few yards farther along, standing well back against
+the wall, was a little man, evidently endeavouring to attract my
+attention.  Directly his attempt succeeded he placed a finger on his
+closed lips, held it there a second or two, and vanished.
+
+It was Pillot, and in my amazement I almost spoke the name aloud.  How
+did he get there?  What mystery was afoot now?
+
+Presently the stranger, who had been trying to account for the new
+expression in my face, exclaimed, "Monsieur then is not a relative?"
+
+"A relative," I answered vaguely, for the unexpected appearance of
+Pillot had put the soldier's remarks out of my head altogether; "I wish
+you would not pester me with your questions.  I am tired and hungry,
+and do not understand what you mean."
+
+"I am sorry, monsieur," he said humbly; "I have few friends, and seeing
+one of them, as I fancied, was carried away.  Well, there, let it pass.
+Time was when Captain Courcy could ruffle it with the best."
+
+He really seemed so downhearted that I was ashamed of my brusque
+behaviour, and exclaimed, "It is I who should ask pardon, monsieur, but
+indeed, I am badly in want of food and rest: I have ridden far.  Later,
+perhaps, we shall meet again, when I am in better condition for
+talking."
+
+"It may be so, monsieur," and, saluting me with a courtly bow, he
+turned and re-crossed the street, while I entered the inn and was
+ushered into a private room.
+
+"A good supper, landlord," I said, "the best you have in the house, and
+while it is being prepared I will see to my horse."
+
+"The servants will attend to the animal, monsieur," he answered; but it
+has always been a fancy of mine that every rider should see that his
+horse is made comfortable.
+
+By the time I returned supper was ready, and I sat down to an ample
+meal, which reminded me strangely of the one I had eaten in La Boule
+d'Or on the night of my arrival in Paris.  At that time, my purse was
+nearly empty; now it was full almost to bursting--a welcome difference.
+
+After supper I leaned back in my chair, musing over the strange event
+that had occurred outside.  But for one thing I should soon have
+banished all thoughts of Captain Courcy from my mind.  He was, I
+imagined, a gentleman who, either through ill-luck or his own folly,
+had come to grief in the world, and was at present reduced to borrowing
+money from his acquaintances.
+
+But if this were so, why had Pillot acted in such a strange manner?
+Why, indeed, was he in Rheims at all?  I had ordered him to proceed to
+Aunay, which it was certain he had not done.  I was still turning these
+things over in my mind when the door was pushed open softly, and Pillot
+himself entered.  He glanced round the room cautiously, and finding me
+alone closed the door behind him.
+
+"Monsieur is in danger," said he quietly, and without wasting any time
+in greeting; "his errand is known, and Conde's friends are tracking
+him."
+
+I gave a start of surprise, and thought instantly of the man who had
+accosted me outside the inn; but Pillot, not allowing me time to speak,
+continued, "You were unlucky in choosing this street, monsieur.
+Captain Courcy with two others have ridden straight from Paris
+expecting to overtake you on the road.  They were unaware that you had
+gone to Aunay, disguised in a blue over-all and a workman's cap."
+
+"If Mazarin ever returns to power, Pillot, I will ask him to put you at
+the head of police.  How did you discover that secret?"
+
+"It was whispered to me just after the funeral of monsieur's cousin.
+Monsieur will be pleased to hear that the Abbe himself performed the
+last rites."
+
+"He could do little less, considering what my cousin had done for him.
+But now, about this other business!  Has Captain Courcy recognised me?"
+
+"Yes, and he is at present informing his friends of the discovery.  But
+I had better begin at the beginning.  After you had received the
+note--oh, it is well known, monsieur!--this Courcy and two others of
+his stamp were sent in pursuit.  Concluding that you had gone straight
+to Bruhl, they rode day and night, changing horses on the road, through
+Rheims and almost as far as Mezieres.  Naturally they were
+unsuccessful, and, not knowing what else to do, they returned here."
+
+"And you followed them?"
+
+"As far as Rheims, but no farther.  Knowing you had gone to Aunay, I
+felt confident you could not be in front of us."
+
+I sat drumming idly on the table, and wondering what was best to be
+done.  The most simple plan was to give Pillot the note, but then I had
+faithfully promised Le Tellier that it should not go out of my
+possession.  I was in a hobble.  This Courcy was evidently an old
+campaigner, equally ready with his brain or sword.  It would be hard to
+outwit him, and I guessed that he was more than my match in a fight.
+
+Suddenly Pillot astonished me by asking where I had hidden the note.
+Perhaps it was foolish to trust one who had worked so hard for my
+enemies, but somehow I felt no fear that he would play me false.  He
+had plotted willingly against Mazarin, but on the other hand he did not
+love Conde, and was hardly likely to assist him.  Remembering these
+things, I answered without hesitation, "In my doublet."
+
+"A poor hiding-place, monsieur," said he; "one always looks there
+first.  Stay here a few minutes and I will show you a trick."
+
+With that he stole out of the room, and closed the door, leaving me in
+a state of wondering excitement.  He could certainly show me a trick
+now if he pleased, and an ugly one too, by returning with Captain
+Courcy.  I confess that the idea did cross my mind, but I would not
+heed it, and in less than half-an-hour the dwarf returned alone.
+
+"Now, monsieur," said he, "take off one of your riding-boots.  Quick,
+we may be interrupted.  Is it a large packet?"
+
+"No," I answered, giving him the boot, "it is nothing more than a slip
+of paper."
+
+With a sharp instrument he made a tiny slit at the back of the boot on
+the inside, just large enough to allow of the paper being inserted, and
+then with some shoemaker's implements sewed the edges together so
+neatly that one could hardly detect the joinings.
+
+"There, monsieur," he exclaimed chuckling; "I doubt if Captain Courcy
+will be clever enough to discover that.  Now, listen to me, monsieur.
+Your only plan is boldness.  It is known you are in Rheims, and without
+a doubt the gates will be watched, while the captain will keep an eye
+on this inn."
+
+"Well?" I exclaimed rather impatiently.
+
+"Go into the common room, and show yourself as if you had nothing to
+fear.  Do not hurry in the morning, but about ten o'clock ride out of
+the town.  The others will follow, but they are not likely to attempt
+anything till nightfall.  By keeping along the highroad to Mezieres,
+you will reach a village called Verdu.  By that time, your horse will
+be tired, and you must ask the innkeeper if he knows of a horse for
+sale.  Should he request you to go to the stables, invite your friends
+to accompany you."
+
+"My friends?"
+
+"Why, yes," exclaimed Pillot, "by then you will probably have three
+friends."
+
+"Oh," said I, beginning to understand, "go on."
+
+"The animal will not be worth buying, and you will return to your room.
+Since monsieur cannot leave Verdu without a horse, he may as well sit
+up late; there will be agreeable company."
+
+"Now I am puzzled again."
+
+Pillot laughed.  "It is a child's trick, monsieur.  When it is getting
+very late a man from the village will arrive with a fresh horse.  After
+some delay you will go out and instruct him to call in the morning."
+
+"Yes," said I, still wondering.
+
+"Monsieur will go out, but he will not return, and when his friends
+hurry to the stable they will find only two horses which cannot run a
+mile.  Now I must slip away without being seen, and I trust you will
+remember not to start before ten o'clock."
+
+After waiting a few minutes in order to let him get clear, I strolled
+into the common room, and sat a while talking with the people on the
+state of the country.  Rather to my surprise very few of them spoke in
+favour of Conde, the majority exclaiming against him as a traitor, and
+saying he ought to be executed.
+
+"He is a fine general, though," remarked the inn-keeper; "I fought
+under him at Rocroi."
+
+"He has brought the Spaniards into the country," cried a stout-looking
+fellow, hotly, "and I will never forgive that.  What say you, monsieur?"
+
+"Why, I am of your opinion.  The Frenchman who bargains with Spaniards
+to shoot down his own countrymen, is not deserving of much pity."
+
+"Bravo, monsieur!  Well said!  I would have helped him fight Mazarin or
+any of these squabblers in Paris, but to raise arms against the King is
+a different matter.  Perhaps monsieur belongs to the royal army?"
+
+"You are not far from the mark," said I laughing; "you evidently have
+sharp eyes, my friend."
+
+I looked about for Courcy, half expecting he would enter, but there was
+no sign of him, so at last I went to the chamber which had been
+prepared for me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+Captain Courcy Outwitted.
+
+After securing the door I loaded my pistol, undressed, and stepped into
+bed, quite intending to remain awake all night.  However, my eyes were
+heavy, I was tired out, and in spite of danger I soon fell asleep, not
+to waken again till a servant, hammering at the door, inquired if I was
+nearly ready for breakfast.  Jumping up hastily, I took a glance round
+the room, and found to my relief that nothing had been disturbed.
+
+"Pillot was right," I muttered, "the rascals are waiting till I am
+beyond the town.  I wish Captain Courcy had introduced his two friends."
+
+After making my toilet I went to the stables, where my horse, quite
+recovered from his fatigue, was looking in fine condition.  Then,
+returning to the inn, I ate a substantial breakfast, and, obeying
+Pillot's injunctions, made no attempt to start till ten o'clock.  How
+shrewdly the little man had judged my enemies' plans was made plain
+almost at the instant of my passing through the gate.
+
+"I trust monsieur is better," exclaimed a voice in my ear, and there
+was Captain Courcy mounted on a powerful horse close by my side.
+
+And here I must stop to mention that the old soldier performed his part
+very cleverly.  He exhibited such surprise at seeing me, that, but for
+Pillot's warning, I should have believed we met by accident.  As it
+was, he found me on my guard.
+
+"I owe you an apology, captain," said I pleasantly; "I fear that last
+night you must have considered me very ill-mannered."
+
+"No, no, the fault was mine.  You were tired and I worried you
+thoughtlessly.  Ah, now I see you are not my old friend, De Lalande."
+
+"Yet I am a De Lalande," I laughed, telling him what he already knew;
+"Henri de Lalande was my cousin.  He is dead now, poor fellow; you will
+not see him again."
+
+"Dead?" he exclaimed in a tone of surprise; "Henri dead?  No; it is
+impossible."
+
+"Yet it is true!  I was with him when he died."
+
+It was vastly entertaining to watch the old rogue's antics as he
+expressed his astonishment, though knowing as well as I that my cousin
+was dead and buried, but I kept a grave face.
+
+"Well, well," said he, "I shall miss him sorely.  We were excellent
+friends, though there were twenty years between us.  Do you know----
+But there, I am wasting your time and my own.  I have an errand in
+Mezieres.  I suppose you are not riding in that direction?"
+
+"As it happens it is precisely where I am going."
+
+"How odd," he cried.  "Why, if you do not object we can travel
+together.  The roads are not over safe, and in case of danger one can
+help the other."
+
+"A good plan, captain, though these highway robbers are not much to be
+feared!  I always keep my sword sharp and my pistols loaded."
+
+"And I warrant you can use both at a pinch.  Henri, now, was a famous
+swordsman.  Poor fellow; he would not leave that wretched Abbe, though
+I often begged him to come over to our side."
+
+The easy, natural way in which the fellow foisted himself on me as a
+travelling-companion was really wonderful.  There was no sign of any
+plan or arrangement; we were, it seemed, chance travellers proceeding
+to the same place, and having a subject to discuss which interested us
+both.
+
+As for me, I endeavoured not to betray my suspicion, but you may be
+sure I did not sleep on the journey.  Courcy himself, especially if he
+caught me at a disadvantage, was more than my match, while his two
+companions might appear at any moment.  So I rode warily, keeping the
+captain on my left and taking care that he did not lag behind.
+Fortunately, perhaps, there were numerous people on the highroad, and
+once we overtook a body of troops wearing the King's colours.  Their
+officer stopped and questioned us, but our answers being satisfactory
+he allowed us to proceed.
+
+"Conde evidently has few friends in these parts," remarked the captain.
+
+"And fewer still the farther we go, which is a lucky thing for us.  I
+suppose your regiment is at Mezieres?"
+
+"Why, no," he answered carelessly, and lowering his voice, he added,
+"the truth is I am despatched on a special service.  I cannot very well
+say more but----"
+
+"No, no, keep your secret," I interrupted hastily; "it is enough for me
+that you are on the King's side," at which the rascal smiled
+pleasantly, thinking how easy it would be to pluck such a simple goose.
+
+About four o'clock we approached the village of Verdu, when, oddly
+enough, my horse began to show signs of distress, and I was compelled
+to slacken pace.  The captain expressed his sorrow, and would not hear
+of riding on alone.
+
+"No," said he, "it is not my custom to leave a comrade in the lurch.
+We will push on together, and perhaps in the village you may be able to
+purchase or hire another animal which will carry you as far as
+Mezieres.  Besides, the night bids fair to be stormy, and we may as
+well lie snug at the inn."
+
+For some time I had noticed the sky was becoming overcast; dark clouds
+were hurrying up, and, as we dismounted, the storm burst.
+
+"_Corbleu!_" cried the captain, "only just in time!  The inn will be
+full to-night," and as he spoke two other horsemen dashed up to obtain
+shelter.
+
+The innkeeper bade us welcome, the servants led away our horses, and we
+all entered the house together.  The last two comers sat at a distance
+from us, as if not wishing for company, but I did not for an instant
+doubt that they were the crafty captain's missing friends.
+
+"Landlord," exclaimed one of them, "my friend and I will stay here
+to-night; so put your two best rooms in order."
+
+"There are but two, monsieur," replied the innkeeper.
+
+"We require only two, stupid, but see to it that the linen is clean and
+wholesome."
+
+"Wait a moment, monsieur," cried the captain gaily, "this gentleman and
+I intend to stay here while the storm lasts, and we shall require one
+of these same rooms."
+
+"Oh," said I, "pray leave me out of the question; I can sleep here in
+my cloak," but the captain blustered loudly, vowing that I should do
+nothing of the kind, and at last it was decided that he and I should
+share one of the rooms between us.
+
+This point being finally settled, after much wrangling, we sat down to
+our meal, and the two strangers gradually became more friendly.  It
+appeared they were on their way to Vouziers, but, foreseeing the storm,
+had turned back to seek shelter.
+
+Thus far I had seen nothing of Pillot, but, remembering his advice, I
+asked the innkeeper if he had a horse for sale or hire, explaining that
+I wished to leave early in the morning for Mezieres.
+
+"I have none of my own, monsieur; horses are scarce in these parts
+since the troubles began; but there is one in the stables which belongs
+to a poor traveller who might sell it."
+
+"Is it a good one?"
+
+"Monsieur can judge for himself, but I do not think monsieur will care
+to ride it."
+
+"Captain," said I, "will you come with me?  You know more about a horse
+than I."
+
+"Certainly," he exclaimed, jumping up.  "Bring a lantern, landlord; we
+will go at once."
+
+There were five horses in the stables--those of the captain and the two
+strangers, my own which was in a state of prostration, and a thin
+long-legged beast whose body was composed of skin and ribs.
+
+On seeing this uncouth animal, the captain said with a laugh, "_Ma
+foi_, M. de Lalande, you would make a pretty picture riding into
+Mezieres on this brute.  _Peste!_  Let us return to the fire."
+
+I asked where the owner was, and the innkeeper replied, "Somewhere in
+the village, monsieur, endeavouring to sell his goods."
+
+"Is it not possible to obtain a decent animal anywhere?" I inquired.
+
+"I will do my best," he answered, holding up the lantern to guide our
+steps as Courcy and I returned to the inn.
+
+"It is a nuisance," exclaimed the captain, warming his hands at the
+fire, "but I fear you will have to stay here over to-morrow.  If my
+business were not so urgent----"
+
+"Oh, the landlord may find an animal by the morning, especially as I am
+prepared to pay a good price."
+
+"Monsieur makes a thrust there," remarked one of the strangers; "one
+can do most things with a full purse.  After all, it will only be a
+delay of a few hours or so."
+
+We sat a long time listening to the storm, which, after a lull, had
+broken out with redoubled fury, and once or twice I detected a stealthy
+exchange of glances between Captain Courcy and the two travellers.
+Thus far their plans had worked out beautifully; I was, to all
+appearance, entirely in their power, and it would be easy for them
+during the night to abstract the note.  The one point in my favour was
+that they believed I knew nothing of the plot, and I took pains not to
+undeceive them.  I laughed at the captain's jokes, and applauded his
+stories, though half expecting every moment to hear him say, "And now,
+M. de Lalande, I will trouble you for that slip of paper."
+
+However, the evening wore on, the storm stopped, the servants fastened
+the doors and went to bed, leaving their master to attend to us.  And
+all the while, whether laughing or talking, I was listening anxiously
+for Pillot's signal.  At last there came a tremendous knocking at the
+outside door, and we heard the innkeeper stump along the passage.
+
+"A late guest," laughed Courcy; "he will find but scant accommodation.
+Oh, after all, it is only one of the villagers.  What does he want, I
+wonder?"
+
+"Monsieur!" exclaimed the innkeeper, putting his head into the room;
+"it is a man who has a horse for sale."
+
+"I hope it isn't brother to the one in the stable!" exclaimed Captain
+Courcy with a laugh.  "However, we may as well look at it, De Lalande,
+and then we will go to bed."
+
+He was rising from his comfortable seat, when the landlord said, "The
+horse is not here; the man has only just heard in the village that
+monsieur required one."
+
+"Still, he may bring it round soon enough in the morning!  At what time
+do you intend to start, captain?"
+
+"Not a moment later than six."
+
+"Well, I will ask him," and without the least appearance of hurry,
+though my heart was thumping like a big hammer, I left the room.
+
+This was the one critical moment.  Would Courcy scent mischief and
+follow?  I purposely left the door ajar so that they might listen to
+the conversation while they could see my hat and cloak in the room.
+
+"Now, my man," I began brusquely, "about this horse?  Can you bring it
+here by five o'clock in the morning?"
+
+"Certainly, monsieur."
+
+"If it suits me, there will be no haggling over the price, but unless
+the animal is thoroughly sound you will have your trouble for nothing."
+
+"Monsieur will be satisfied, I know.  It is as good a horse as one
+would wish to meet with."
+
+"Well, we shall see.  Be here at five o'clock sharp, or even a little
+earlier."
+
+"Yes, monsieur," then the door slammed, and I was on the outside of the
+inn with Pillot.
+
+"This way, monsieur, quick.  Here is the captain's horse for you; I can
+manage the others.  Here, Alphonse," and I saw a man at the animals'
+heads, "help me to mount, and then vanish.  Unless you talk no one will
+suspect you.  Ready, monsieur?  Away then.  Ah, they have discovered
+part of the trick and are running to the stables.  Ho, ho!  Captain
+Courcy!  Captain Courcy!"
+
+There was a shout from the inn; then a pistol shot, and my late
+companions ran this way and that in confusion.
+
+"Not a moment later than six, captain," I cried.  "Shall I carry a
+message to your friends in Mezieres?" and then, with a triumphant
+laugh, we clattered off in the darkness.
+
+"We have scored the trick and the game," said Pillot, "though I thought
+we were beaten when the captain talked of coming out.  However, they
+cannot catch us now, before reaching Mezieres, and beyond that they
+will not venture."
+
+Nothing more was said for a long time; we rode hard side by side,
+Pillot leading the third horse.  It was still dark and a high wind had
+sprung up, but the rain had ceased.  Occasionally we stopped to listen,
+but there was no sound of galloping hoofs in the rear, and, indeed, we
+hardly expected that the captain and his friends would follow very far.
+Pillot reckoned the distance from Verdu to Mezieres at thirty miles,
+and with several hours' start it seemed ridiculous to think of pursuit.
+Presently we slackened pace, and I asked Pillot if he was sure of the
+road.
+
+"I think so; I have been making inquiries.  By the way, monsieur must
+be very cold without a hat."
+
+"It is not pleasant; but better lose a hat than a head!" I replied with
+a laugh.
+
+Pillot proved a good guide, and Mezieres was still half asleep when we
+rode into the town and pulled up at the principal inn.
+
+"We can give ourselves two hours' rest," said the dwarf, "and then, in
+case of accidents, we had better proceed.  After breakfast, monsieur
+can provide himself with a fresh hat and cloak."
+
+"I will send for them, which will save time.  We must leave nothing to
+chance, Pillot.  I am much mistaken if this Captain Courcy is the man
+to confess himself beaten."
+
+"He is beaten this time, confession or no confession," answered the
+dwarf, with a shrug of his shoulders.  "Still, it is always well not to
+be too confident."
+
+While we waited for breakfast he proceeded to give a brief account of
+his doings.  Before leaving the inn at Rheims he had slipped into my
+horse's feed a powder, which, after a few hours' exercise, would
+produce a temporary weakness.  Then, directly the gates were open, he
+had started for Verdu on the sorry beast which the innkeeper had showed
+me.  On the plea of being a poor man he had obtained permission to
+sleep in an outhouse, and then his only difficulty was to discover some
+one who would help him in bringing out the horses.  All this he related
+in high glee, laughing merrily at the idea of having tricked the
+gallant captain.
+
+I inquired if he was sure the others were in the plot, to which he
+replied, "Perfectly, monsieur; they are both in Conde's pay, but just
+at present they will not have much to show for their wages!" and he
+laughed again.
+
+"Thanks to you," I said warmly.  "But for your cleverness, I should
+have fallen into the pit."
+
+As soon as the horses were rested and I had provided myself with a new
+hat and cloak, we made a fresh start, riding fast till Mezieres was at
+least a dozen miles in our rear.
+
+I do not propose to linger over the remainder of the journey; if the
+account were a tithe as tedious as the actual ride I should lose all my
+readers.  As far as Captain Courcy and his friends were concerned the
+paper was safe; they were not in the least likely to catch us, and if
+they did, Mazarin had as many friends as foes in that part of the
+country.  Our chief danger now came from the highwaymen who prowled
+about the roads, and twice we were attacked by these worthies, who,
+however, upon finding us well-armed and resolute to defend ourselves,
+quickly moved off.
+
+It was, I think, on the fifth morning from leaving Mezieres that we
+rode into Bruhl, and being directed to the Cardinal's residence,
+encountered Roland Belloc, who at first did not recognise me.
+
+"Have you quite forgotten me?" said I.
+
+"De Lalande?  Is it possible?  I understood you were still in Paris."
+
+"I was there until a few days ago.  But where is the Cardinal?  I have
+a letter for him, and as soon as it is delivered I want to go to bed."
+
+"You shall see him at once, follow me."
+
+"Put the horses up somewhere, Pillot," I said, and throwing the reins
+to him, followed Belloc.
+
+Several French gentlemen wearing Mazarin's colours lounged about; the
+courtyard was filled with soldiers, and sentries were stationed at the
+entrance.  As for the Cardinal himself he looked very little like a
+beaten man.
+
+"M. de Lalande," he purred in his silkiest tones, as Belloc showed me
+into the room.  "You have been a long time doing my errand!"
+
+"A sword-thrust in the side kept me in bed some weeks," I replied, "and
+on my return to the city I found that your Eminence was no longer
+there."
+
+"Paris had grown unhealthy," said he smiling, "so I sought the purer
+air of the country.  You, I believe, preferred the quiet seclusion of
+the Bastille."
+
+"The choice was none of mine, my Lord."
+
+"No?  And so you have come to share my fortunes again?"
+
+"I have brought your Eminence a letter from Le Tellier," and I handed
+him the document, which I had previously taken from its hiding-place.
+
+Opening the note, he read the communication quickly, and, turning to me
+with a smile, exclaimed: "De Lalande, I certainly must keep you by my
+side!  Positively, you always bring me good-luck.  I am deeply in your
+debt, but my secretary shall settle our account.  You must don the
+green scarf and join my body-guard."
+
+This was a great honour, and I thanked him warmly, but he interrupted
+me with a laugh, saying, "It is well, in these troublous times, to have
+a skilful sword to rely on, and I have proved the worth of yours.  You
+will find your comrades brave youths and all anxious to distinguish
+themselves.  _Pardieu!_  Conde has made a huge blunder and played into
+my hands nicely.  Request M. Belloc to find you quarters--and now I
+must deal immediately with my correspondence."
+
+Thus it was that I came to take service again with Mazarin, and to wear
+the green scarf in many a hot encounter.
+
+Sturdy old Belloc was delighted to have me under his charge, and, as
+there was no room at Mazarin's residence, he arranged that I should
+stay at the inn where Pillot had stationed the horses.
+
+"And now," he said, "get some breakfast and go straight to bed.  I will
+come over during the evening for a chat.  I am curious to learn how you
+fared in Paris."
+
+"The story will surprise you, but I am too tired to tell it now."
+
+"Yes," said he, kindly, "you evidently need a long rest."
+
+It was strange to get into bed without feeling any cause for alarm.
+From sheer force of habit I placed my weapons handy, but there was no
+barricading of the door, or listening for the sound of stealthy
+footsteps, and almost before my head touched the pillow I was fast
+asleep.  Pillot, whose powers of endurance were marvellous, wakened me
+early in the evening, and when M. Belloc paid his promised visit, all
+traces of my recent fatigue had vanished.
+
+The old soldier displayed intense interest in my story, especially to
+those parts relating to the plot against Conde and my cousin's death.
+
+"I am sorry for Henri," he said, "he was a bit of a rascal, but a brave
+fellow for all that, and he stood by the Abbe from the beginning.
+However, things have altered now, and before six months have passed
+Mazarin will be in Paris again.  Conde will make a stiff fight, but we
+are bound to win, and if you live your fortune is made."
+
+"Unless Mazarin suffers from a lapse of memory," I remarked.  "So far
+his payments have been made mostly in promises, which do little towards
+keeping a full purse."
+
+At this M. Belloc laughed, but he assured me that when the day of
+reckoning came I should have no cause to complain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+I Miss a Grand Opportunity.
+
+For several weeks now I stayed idly at Bruhl, having nothing to do
+beyond an occasional turn of duty, which was really more a matter of
+form than of aught else.
+
+Underneath the peaceful surface there were, to shrewd observers, signs
+of a stirring agitation.  Couriers came and went by night and day;
+noblemen of high rank made mysterious visits, stayed a few hours, and
+then disappeared; a rumour arose that the Cardinal had actually been
+recalled to Court.  It was even said that the order was contained in
+the letter I had carried from Paris, but on that point I was still in
+ignorance.  By degrees, however, it became plain that the Cardinal had
+resolved to return and I learned from Belloc that Marshal Hocquincourt
+was busy raising an army to conduct him across France.
+
+No one was more pleased to receive this news than Pillot, who could not
+live happily without excitement.  He uttered no complaint, but I knew
+he was longing to be back in his loved Paris, from which he had never
+before been so long absent.  To Pillot the walls of the capital bounded
+the one oasis in a desert world.
+
+One evening, early in December, Belloc ordered me to be ready for a
+start the next morning.  The die was cast; Mazarin had made up his
+mind, and I was to form one of the advance-guard in the journey to
+Sedan.
+
+"Bravo!" cried Pillot, joyfully; "it is time we moved, monsieur.  I am
+beginning to forget what Paris is like."
+
+During the evening he was in a state of excitement, polishing my
+weapons and setting them in order, running to the stables to attend to
+the animals, and packing food for consumption on the march.  As for
+sleeping, I am nearly sure that he did not close his eyes all night.
+
+The advance-guard formed a goodly cavalcade.  Most of my comrades were
+either sons of noblemen, or at least cadets of some distinguished
+house.  They were well-mounted and richly dressed, and all wore the
+green scarf of Mazarin.  Like Pillot, they were delighted at the idea
+of returning to Paris again, and gave no thought to the fact that many
+of them would never reach the city walls.
+
+M. Belloc remained with the Cardinal, but I had made several new
+friends, and the journey, though full of peril, was pleasant enough.
+We youngsters laughed and joked, formed plans for the future, defeated
+Conde many times over--in imagination--and, I think, each of us
+secretly felt sure of becoming a Marshal of France.  The older ones
+shook their heads, foretelling a long and difficult campaign, but we
+paid scant heed to their melancholy prophecies.
+
+Pillot, who travelled with the attendants, made me an object of envy to
+my comrades.  Never was there such a capital servant or one so full of
+contrivances.  Once, through some stupid mistake, we were compelled to
+halt for the night on a dreary, barren waste.  It was bitterly cold,
+being almost mid-winter; we had no tents, and indeed no other shelter
+than our cloaks.
+
+The young nobles stamped about in high dudgeon, bidding their
+attendants light fires and bring food, though there was no wood to be
+seen, and the last of the provisions had been eaten in the morning.
+The poor lackeys raced about here and there endeavouring to accomplish
+what was quite out of the question, but the exercise at least kept them
+warm.  I did not call Pillot, and, indeed, two minutes after the order
+to halt he had vanished.  I thought it odd, but made no remark, and
+dismounting like the others walked about briskly to restore the
+circulation in my numbed limbs.
+
+Presently some one nudged my elbow, and a voice whispered softly, "Let
+monsieur choose three of his friends and follow me."
+
+Rather astonished, I sought out three of my comrades and we followed
+the dwarf, who led us perhaps two hundred yards, and stopped at a
+sheltered gully.
+
+"Those who come first get the best seats," said he, and going down on
+his knees fumbled about for a time, till at last we broke into an
+exclamation of delight.
+
+"A fire!" cried one.
+
+"Pillot, you are a genius!" said I, and the other two declared he ought
+to be made a nobleman.
+
+How he managed it was a mystery, but there was the fire blazing
+cheerfully, and in another moment a fowl spitted on a pike was roasting
+in the flames.  We overwhelmed Pillot with thanks, and what he
+considered more to the purpose--gave him a share of the bird.  It was
+rather tough and very stringy, but when one is hungry these defects
+pass as trifles.
+
+Before long our fire attracted general attention, and as many as could
+crowded around it.  Then, not wishing to be selfish, we vacated our
+seats in favour of others, and, wrapped in our mantles, lay down in the
+shelter of the hollow.  This was our worst hardship, and at length we
+reached Sedan, where Mazarin, who arrived the next day, took up his
+abode with Marshal Fabert.
+
+In the early part of the year 1652, we moved once more, and, crossing
+the frontier, re-entered France in triumph.  Every day now added to our
+strength.  We were joined by Marshal Hocquincourt, who commanded 5000
+soldiers, each wearing the green scarf of the Cardinal.  Here and there
+a number of officers rode up decorated with the same colours; town
+after town opened its gates at the first summons, and Mazarin might
+well have imagined that his period of exile was over.
+
+"Well, Pillot," said I one evening, "what do you think of all this?"
+
+"It is a fresh act in a comedy, monsieur, in which the next is not yet
+written."
+
+"Not even thought out, perhaps."
+
+"There is no thinking, monsieur, or the play would become a tragedy.
+As to your Mazarin, he may be flying for his life again to-morrow."
+
+"I hardly think so; he has the young King on his side now."
+
+"Well, well, monsieur, it matters little as long as we enter Paris.
+After all that is the chief thing."
+
+I did not answer him, but my mind turned to the frightful misery of the
+district through which we were passing.  The country lay unfilled for
+miles; the woods swarmed with robbers; the peasants were dying of
+starvation; the towns were filled with people who had neither work nor
+food.  Everything except fighting was at a standstill: trade was dead,
+manufactures had ceased, and no one cared to sow the seed when others
+would eat the crops.
+
+A young officer in Hocquincourt's army informed us that affairs were
+equally bad in Paris.  Rendered desperate by hunger, the citizens were
+up in arms, and no one's life was safe for a day.  By a stroke of good
+fortune the Queen-Mother had escaped from the city, and was now with
+the young King at Poitiers.  Of Raoul I could learn nothing, but the
+Duke of Orleans was still see-sawing; now helping Conde, and again
+endeavouring to make terms with the King.  In these circumstances I
+half expected to find my old comrade at Poitiers, where it was almost
+certain John Humphreys would be.
+
+Meanwhile we marched peacefully through the country, and the friends of
+Conde, if the rebel prince possessed any friends in these parts,
+remained very quiet, and most of the people cheered Mazarin as loudly
+as they had before hooted him.  At Poitiers itself we had a magnificent
+reception.  We marched along with drums beating and banners flying; the
+road was lined with throngs of excited people cheering madly for the
+army of the Cardinal, and presently a loud cry announced the coming of
+the King.
+
+Thunders of applause arose on all sides, and people screamed themselves
+hoarse shouting, "_Vive le Roi!_" "_Vive Mazarin!_"
+
+I caught a glimpse of the boy king and his young brother as they joined
+the Cardinal, and rode with him to the town, where the Queen waited at
+a window to see him pass.  It must have been a proud moment for the man
+who had once been ignominiously expelled from France.
+
+As soon as the procession broke up, I instructed Pillot where to stable
+the horses, and went about seeking Raoul and John Humphreys.  The town
+was filled with soldiers and officers of the Court, while thousands of
+the troops were quartered in the neighbouring villages.  I met several
+old friends, but not Raoul, when suddenly I heard a hearty, "How are
+you, De Lalande?" and there was the smiling face of an officer of the
+Queen's Guards.
+
+"John Humphreys!" I exclaimed, and then grasping the meaning of his new
+uniform, "you have received a commission?  Splendid!  I knew from the
+first it must come.  Presently, my dear fellow, you must tell me all
+about it, but first, do you know anything of Raoul Beauchamp?  Is he
+still at the Luxembourg, or has he joined the King?"
+
+"Turenne has given him a commission in the royal army, and he is
+quartered in one of the villages near.  If you are not on duty we will
+visit him."
+
+"With all my heart!  I have nothing in particular to do before the
+morning."
+
+"Very well; it is not far; we can walk easily."
+
+The district round Poitiers had the appearance of a huge camp, and the
+white scarves of the King mingled with the green ones of the Cardinal.
+We moved with some difficulty, until, at last, getting clear of the
+crowd, we reached the road, or rather cart-track leading to the village.
+
+"There he is!" cried Humphreys presently.  "Just returned, I warrant,
+from visiting his troopers; he looks after them well," and, glancing
+ahead, I observed my old comrade about to enter the village inn.
+
+"Raoul!" I shouted, "Raoul!" and at the sound he turned back to meet us.
+
+"I told you that De Lalande would come to no harm!" exclaimed Humphreys
+with a laugh.
+
+"He was as anxious as I, Albert," said Raoul.  "We discovered that you
+had escorted the ladies to Aunay, but after that no one could guess
+what had become of you.  Naturally, we expected to find you with the
+army."
+
+"Instead of which I was at Bruhl with the Cardinal.  I concluded
+Humphreys would guess what the secret service was."
+
+"Come to my room," said Raoul; "we must hear your story."
+
+As there could be no harm in mentioning the matter now, I related what
+had passed, and they were much amused by Pillot's trick at Verdu.
+
+"But you must keep out of Courcy's way for a time," said Raoul.  "I
+know him well, and he is a tremendous fire-eater.  I expect he has
+joined Conde in the field by now."
+
+"Where is D'Arcy?"
+
+"At the Luxembourg, and thoroughly miserable.  He hates the idea of
+supporting Conde against the King, but imagines he ought not to desert
+the Duke of Orleans.  Most of his comrades came with me, but he would
+not.  'I am for Orleans,' he said, 'no matter whom he is against.'  Of
+course, he is right in a way."
+
+"Not at all," declared Humphreys.  "Conde is a rebel, and has assisted
+the enemies of his own country.  Every man should regard him as a
+traitor."
+
+"Well," said Raoul frankly, "it was his trafficking with the Spaniards
+that decided me to fight against him.  I am for France, whoever rules
+the country."
+
+"I am for the King," said Humphreys.  "My father taught me to say, 'For
+God and the King!' as soon as I could talk.  That was my earliest
+lesson."
+
+"And yet your people cut off their king's head!"
+
+"A set of sour knaves," he cried, "but the finest fighting men in the
+world!  You should have seen them at Naseby with their leader,
+Cromwell!  Old Noll we call him; he rules the country now, while Prince
+Charles, the rightful king, is here in exile."
+
+"When our own troubles are settled we will set your prince on his
+throne," laughed Raoul.  "Mazarin will provide him with an army, and
+Albert and I will obtain commissions in it.  Then we shall see your
+country for ourselves."
+
+"Ah," exclaimed Humphreys, "you do not understand the English any more
+than I understand your Parisians.  If Prince Charles crossed the water
+now with a French army, he would never be king; his own friends would
+fight against him.  He must wait awhile till his people have recovered
+their senses, then they will beg him to return."
+
+"By the way," said I, "you have not told me yet how you won your
+commission."
+
+"A lucky accident; a mere trifle; what you call a bagatelle."
+
+"Have you not heard?" inquired Raoul.  "I must relate the story myself,
+as our friend here is as modest as brave.  The affair occurred at
+Montrond, and the whole camp talked of it."
+
+"Things were very dull just then," interrupted Humphreys.
+
+"We were besieging the town," continued Raoul, "and one night the enemy
+made a sortie.  It took us by surprise; our outposts were rushed, a
+dozen officers fell, and the troops were panic-stricken.  General
+Pallnau was with the Court, and the next in command lost his head.  As
+it chanced our friend was staying with me that night, and he stopped
+the rout."
+
+"No, no," said the Englishman, with a smile; "he is making too much of
+it altogether."
+
+"He saved the army at least.  My quarters happened to be on a hill.
+Conde's troops were pouring towards it; half our men had scattered, and
+the others were wavering, when Humphreys sprang to the front, calling
+us to rally.  A few of us ran up, and only just in time.  The enemy,
+perceiving we held the key to the position, swarmed to the attack.  We,
+knowing how much depended on every minute's delay, stood our ground.
+Once we rolled them back, but they came again.  Our men fell fast, but
+Humphreys was a host in himself, and through him we held on till the
+runaways had time to re-form.  Every one declared he had saved the
+army, and he received his commission on the field."
+
+"And the credit was as much Raoul's as mine," said Humphreys, "but
+things go like that in this world.  I suppose, now that Mazarin's
+troops have reinforced us, we shall march south and fight Conde."
+
+"It is possible, though there is a whisper that we are to move on
+Angers.  I wish we three could keep together."
+
+"It would be splendid," said Raoul, "but we must make the most of our
+opportunities," which, as long as the army remained in the
+neighbourhood of Poitiers, we did.
+
+Very soon, however, we advanced on Angers, and having captured that
+town removed to Saumur.  Here we were joined by Marshal Turenne, and
+being too weak to reduce the important town of Orleans proceeded to
+Gien.  Raoul was quartered with his regiment some miles away, but
+Humphreys and I were both stationed in the town.  I was spending an
+hour with him one evening when Pillot, in a tremendous hurry, came with
+a message that M. Belloc wished to see me immediately.
+
+"It must be something important, monsieur," said the dwarf, "as M.
+Belloc ordered me to saddle the horses."
+
+I found my old friend in a state of great agitation, and without giving
+me time to speak he asked, "Do you know where Conde is?"
+
+"In Guienne, monsieur."
+
+"So we all thought, but it is a mistake.  He is hurrying to take
+command of the army of the Loire.  A courier has just arrived with the
+information, and we are despatching parties to capture him, dead or
+alive.  He is travelling with six companions, and will endeavour to
+reach Chatillon.  If he can be caught, we shall finish the war in a
+week.  You are well acquainted with the prince?"
+
+"Yes, monsieur."
+
+"Take half a dozen troopers; ride to the bridge at Chatillon, and let
+no one pass till I send permission."
+
+"Very good, monsieur," and within ten minutes I was tearing along at
+the head of my men as fast as my horse could gallop.
+
+It was still fairly light when we arrived at the spot, and, leaving two
+of the troopers on the bank to look after the horses, I ambushed the
+others, and took up my own position so that no one could pass without
+being challenged.  Soon the light faded, the air grew chill, a gray
+mist rose from the river.  The men crouched silently in their hiding
+places; the only sounds were the melancholy lapping of the water, and
+the mournful cry of an occasional night-bird.  M. Belloc's commission
+was certainly an honour, but this watching was dreary work, and I
+thought with regret of my cosy quarters.
+
+It must have been an hour past midnight when Pillot, who had kept me
+company, whispered softly, "Listen, monsieur!  Do you hear the beat of
+hoofs?  I should say there are a couple of horsemen coming this way."
+
+"Or more.  No, there is only one."
+
+"The others have stopped."
+
+"Perhaps there was only one in the first instance.  He is drawing
+nearer now.  Listen, he has reached the bridge.  Stand well behind me,
+so that he cannot observe you."
+
+The horseman had approached at a trot; now he slowed down to a walking
+pace, and advanced carelessly, humming a tune as if there was no such
+thing as danger in the world.
+
+With a loud "_Qui Vive?_" I sprang from my hiding-place and clutched
+his horse's bridle.
+
+"An officer of the King," he replied coolly, and the white scarf on his
+arm showed up in the darkness.  "I have come from the Marshal to ask
+for your report.  I can testify at least that you keep an excellent
+watch."
+
+The man's voice sounded familiar, but concluding we had met at the
+Court, I was in all innocence about to answer when Pillot, touching me
+lightly, whispered "Captain Courcy!"
+
+In a flash I remembered, but it was too late.  The captain's sharp ears
+had caught the words; with a violent wrench he twisted my arm from the
+bridle, and turning his horse's head dashed back at headlong speed.
+
+"Stop him!" I yelled, "stop him!" but the rascal knocked over two of my
+men like rabbits, and disappeared along the bank of the river.
+
+"Conde is not far off," said Pillot; "he feared a trap and sent the
+captain on in advance."
+
+"Mount, and ride after them.  Take a man with you, keep on their track
+and pick up all the King's friends you meet.  Say it is the order of
+Marshal Turenne.  Two of you fellows get your horses and cross to the
+other side of the river.  Keep your eyes open and spread the news that
+Conde is hiding in the neighbourhood.  There is a fortune for the man
+who captures him."
+
+The troopers mounted and galloped off; Pillot had already disappeared,
+and I was left with one man to attend to my wounded troopers.
+Fortunately they were not seriously hurt, though of little more use
+that night.  As it chanced, however, nothing further occurred, and when
+Belloc sent to relieve us, I rode back feeling that I had missed a
+grand opportunity.  My troopers accomplished nothing, but Pillot, who
+did not return for several hours, brought the certain news that Conde,
+accompanied by several gentlemen, had crossed the river.
+
+"Never mind," said M. Belloc kindly, "you did your best, and no one can
+do more.  Besides, even if you had caught this Captain Courcy, the
+prince would have escaped," which was quite true, though the reflection
+did not make my feelings any the more friendly towards the daring
+captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+"Vive le Roi!"
+
+The day after Conde's narrow escape I received a visit from Raoul.  He
+was as lively as ever, and in high spirits at the prospects of fresh
+work.  My connection with Mazarin prevented me from sharing in many of
+the minor engagements, but Raoul missed nothing.  His courage was a
+proverb among Turenne's gentlemen, while the soldiers followed without
+question on the most dangerous enterprise if Raoul Beauchamp led the
+way.
+
+"What is going on now?" I inquired.
+
+"A general advance, I believe; at least we have received orders to
+move; the Marshal does not like to sit still."
+
+I laughed at that, for Turenne was a general who allowed neither his
+own troops nor the enemy any rest.  Ambush and surprise, hot attack and
+feigned retreat, he employed them all, keeping every one busy.  Raoul
+had not heard of Conde's movements, and when I told him, he exclaimed,
+"We can keep our eyes open now, Albert; there will be little time for
+sleeping when the prince takes command of his army.  A good thing for
+us that Turenne is on our side.  Most likely that accounts for our
+advance.  Don't you envy us?"
+
+"Well, I should not object if the Green Scarves were sent to the front."
+
+"You will have your chance," said he laughing, and wishing me farewell,
+departed to join his men.
+
+The town was a scene of unusual activity that day.  Soldiers were
+moving about in all directions.  Here a column of infantry trudged
+along; there a squadron of horse passed at the trot; occasionally a
+gaily-dressed gentleman with a white or green scarf on his arm flew by,
+bound on some errand of importance.  Once I met Humphreys, who, much to
+his disgust, had received orders to remain behind with a number of the
+Queen's Guards.
+
+"There will be stirring business soon," said he.  "Turenne is moving,
+and I hear that Conde has arrived from the south on purpose to oppose
+him.  It will be a battle of giants, and here are we tied up in this
+wretched hole doing nothing.  We shan't even see the fight, much less
+take part in it."
+
+"Why, you are becoming a regular fire-eater!  Have you not had enough
+fighting?"
+
+"I only object to all the work being done by others.  I would rather
+take my own share.  What are you supposed to be doing?"
+
+"Nothing, and for once in a way it is a very pleasant occupation.  Have
+you met Raoul?"
+
+"No, and I expect he is a dozen miles off by now.  He is in luck; his
+squadron acts as a kind of bodyguard to the Marshal.  I had no idea
+that Beauchamp was such a daring fellow."
+
+"He is like the rest, anxious to make a name for himself.  Ah, here
+comes Pillot to warn me that it is my turn for duty."
+
+Gien was still crowded with numbers of the Queen's troops, gentlemen of
+the King, and Mazarin's bodyguard, in addition to the hosts of servants
+and attendants on the Court.  Hundreds watched Turenne's advance, and
+almost every one seemed to imagine that the Marshal had little to do
+but march peacefully to Paris.
+
+From the gossip among Mazarin's gentlemen next morning I gathered that
+Turenne had halted at a place called Briare, while Hocquincourt, our
+second general, had advanced to Blenau.
+
+"The Marshal is preparing his plans," exclaimed one of our fellows
+complacently, "and if Conde's army stays to fight it will be soundly
+beaten.  I prophesy that within a month we shall be inside Paris."
+
+I remembered these boastful words and laughed, when, a night or two
+afterwards, Pillot burst into my room and wakened me rather brusquely.
+
+"Get up, monsieur," said he, "Conde has sent to announce his arrival."
+
+"Conde," I growled sleepily.  "Where?  What do you mean?  What is all
+the noise outside?"
+
+"The town has gone mad with fright--that is all.  Monsieur must be
+quick in dressing."
+
+In a few minutes I was dressed and out of the house.  Pillot was
+right--the town certainly had gone mad.  The street was packed with
+people surging this way and that, pushing, struggling, and asking
+questions.  There were hundreds of rumours in the air: Conde had crept
+into Gien, and had hanged Mazarin in his own room.  The Queen-Mother
+was a prisoner with her two sons, and all her Guards had died fighting.
+I had hardly witnessed such a tumult even in Paris.  Couriers and
+lackeys, coachmen and grooms; soldiers, citizens, peasants, and ladies
+of the Court, were all grouped together, making the oddest spectacle.
+No one really knew what had happened, though a hundred people were
+willing to tell.
+
+I would have gone straight to the Cardinal's quarters, but such a
+course was out of the question; so, following Pillot, I found myself on
+a piece of high ground to the left of the town.
+
+"Ah!" said I, drawing a deep breath, "now it is plain what has
+occurred.  You are right, Pillot, that is a message from Conde, sure
+enough!"
+
+The night was dark, but far away in the distance the gloom was lit up
+by numerous tongues of fire that extended for miles.  Now one died
+away, but the next minute a fresh one shot skyward, and in places
+several merged together in one broad flame.
+
+"Conde is amusing himself and providing us with a fine spectacle," said
+Pillot.  "It seems to me that the prince has lost neither his cunning
+nor his boldness.  Turenne is a good soldier, but it looks as if Conde
+were a better."
+
+"Turenne is not over there.  Conde has fallen on General Hocquincourt,
+and things will be serious for the Marshal."
+
+"And for the Cardinal," laughed Pillot, who never saw any good in
+Mazarin; "he must run, monsieur, and fast, too."
+
+"So must we--he will need help.  Come, let us find him."
+
+This, however, was not a simple matter, and we were nearly an hour in
+forcing a way to Mazarin's rooms.  They were empty, and the frightened
+servants had no idea where their master was.  Some asserted he had gone
+to reassure the Queen; others that he had galloped off to the
+battlefield, at which Pillot laughed unkindly.
+
+Turning back I encountered Humphreys, who, with a dozen troopers, was
+clearing a passage through the crowd.  In answer to my question he said
+that Mazarin had ridden toward the river, where he himself was going;
+so, bidding Pillot stay behind, I joined company with the Englishman.
+
+"Well," said I, as we rode along, "Gien is not such a humdrum place
+after all!"
+
+"Faith! this Conde has played a clever game.  A courier has brought
+word that Hocquincourt's army has vanished, while Turenne has only
+about four thousand men with which to oppose fourteen thousand.  And
+look at this rabble!  Out of the way there, or we will ride you down!"
+
+"Have you had orders to join Turenne?"
+
+"No," he answered, with a touch of scorn.  "My duty is to escort the
+carriages, which are all on the other side of the river.  The Queen has
+sent for them, so that her ladies can escape if Turenne gets
+beaten--which he will.  Ah! there is Mazarin with the King.  Look how
+the boy manages his horse!  He should make a fine cavalry leader in
+time."
+
+Leaving Humphreys, I turned aside to the edge of the plain, where the
+boy king and Mazarin were surrounded by a group of gentlemen.  Louis
+was flushed and excited, but he showed no fear, and, indeed, I heard
+that he begged hard for permission to gallop to the scene of conflict.
+At frequent intervals Mazarin despatched a gentleman on some errand.
+His face was pale, and he looked anxious, which was not to be wondered
+at, since the safety of the Court depended on so slender a thread.
+
+Presently, catching sight of me, he said, "De Lalande, come here.  I
+see you have a good horse.  Do not spare it, but ride top speed to
+Marshal Turenne, and inquire if he has any message for His Majesty."
+
+"Yes, my Lord!" I answered, and saluting, rode off quickly.
+
+The confusion was worse here than in the town.  Crowds of ladies,
+attended by their servants, waited anxiously for the carriages; boxes
+and bales lay strewn around, and directly a carriage appeared the whole
+mob rushed at it, fighting like the _canaille_ of Paris.  Once past the
+bridge, however, it was possible to increase the pace, and at Briare I
+began to make inquiries as to where the Marshal was most likely to be
+found.
+
+"On the plain between this and Blenau," said an officer who had
+received orders to stop at Briare with a few troops.  "Do you bring any
+fresh news from Gien?"
+
+"None, except that the place is upside down with fear.  Conde has
+managed to startle the Court."
+
+"He would do more than that if we were under any general but Turenne,
+and even he will have need of all his skill."
+
+Far away in the distance the houses were still burning, and now and
+again a fresh sheet of flame would leap skyward.  Here and there I met
+with riderless horses, and men bringing in wounded comrades.  They all
+told the same story.  Conde had fallen upon Hocquincourt, and simply
+swept his army away.  His quarters were in ruins, many of his infantry
+were killed, and his cavalry had become a mere rabble.
+
+"Everything depends on Turenne," said a wounded officer whom I knew
+slightly.  "If he can hold his ground, all may yet be well, but the
+odds are terribly against him."
+
+At length I reached the plain where the Marshal had drawn up his
+troops, and, though quite unversed in real soldiering, I could see that
+he had chosen a position of great strength.  Beyond the plain were a
+marsh and a wood--one on the left, the other on the right--with a
+narrow causeway over which the enemy must pass, between them.  The wood
+was filled with infantry, while a battery of artillery was stationed so
+as to command the causeway.
+
+Noticing a group of officers at the entrance to the plain, I rode over
+and asked where I should have the most chance of finding Marshal
+Turenne.
+
+"With the cavalry, monsieur," one of them answered courteously, and
+glancing at my green scarf, added, "Do you come from Gien?"
+
+"Yes, with a message from the Cardinal."
+
+"Ah," said another, "I suppose this business has frightened the Court?
+Conde has made a good start, but he will meet his equal now."
+
+"The Marshal is overweighted," remarked a third man, gloomily.  "His
+Majesty can trust us to die here, but I doubt if we can stop the prince
+from breaking through.  He has four men to our one."
+
+This did not sound very cheerful, and before long I heard that several
+officers of the highest rank were just as doubtful of success.
+However, my business lay with the Marshal himself, so I advanced to the
+causeway, and found that he was at the farther end with two or three
+squadrons of cavalry.  He was talking earnestly with a group of
+officers, so I waited till he had finished, and then, with a salute,
+gave him the Cardinal's message.
+
+At first he appeared angry, but gradually a smile stole over his face,
+and he exclaimed, "_Corbleu!_  His Eminence is a very glutton for
+information.  I have just sent the Marquis of Pertui with a despatch to
+His Majesty, and there is nothing fresh to add.  A battle is not fought
+in five minutes!"
+
+I bowed low, and presently he added kindly, "You can stay here: in an
+hour or so I may have some information to send back."
+
+Saluting him in answer, I backed my horse to the rear of the group,
+when some one cried, "De Lalande!" and glancing round I observed Raoul,
+with his troopers stationed close at hand.
+
+"What are you doing here?" he asked gaily, as I went over to him.  "I
+understood you were guarding Mazarin!"
+
+"I have brought a message for the Marshal, and am to wait for an
+answer."
+
+"You will see some hot work presently.  Ah, there is Bordel!  He brings
+fresh news of the prince, I warrant."
+
+An officer, followed by an escort of troopers, had just galloped in
+from the country behind Blenau.  His horse was covered with foam, and
+he himself was bleeding from a wound, but he jumped lightly to the
+ground, saluted, and began talking earnestly to the Marshal.  We could
+not hear what was said, but his information was evidently serious, for
+Turenne immediately sent off several of his staff.
+
+"Conde is approaching!" exclaimed Raoul, and even while he was speaking
+an officer galloped over with orders from Turenne for the squadron to
+hold itself in readiness.
+
+I had met with numerous adventures in my short career, but had never
+witnessed a real battle, and I was on fire with excitement.  Raoul
+desired me to return to the rear, saying there was no need to expose
+myself to danger, but I shook my head and resolved to stay with him.
+
+With a few of his staff the Marshal advanced beyond the end of the
+causeway, but presently came riding back, and every man knew
+instinctively that Conde was quickly approaching.  Presently we caught
+a glimpse of his cavalry, and at sight of the serried ranks of
+horsemen, most of our hearts, I think, began to droop.  It seemed to me
+that, by one swift rush across the causeway, they would have us
+completely at their mercy.
+
+As if of the same opinion Turenne ordered us to retire, and we fell
+back slowly, while the hostile cavalry halted to gather strength for
+the spring.  Then came the order to increase the pace, and our men
+sullenly obeyed.  They did not like retreating, even to escape from
+death.  Raoul looked puzzled, and from time to time I noticed him
+glance back over his shoulder.
+
+Suddenly a whisper of "Here they come!" ran through the ranks; our pace
+grew faster, and soon we were flying like timid hares before a pack of
+dogs.
+
+Conde's cavalry made a splendid show.  Squadron after squadron, fifteen
+or twenty in number, advanced with pennons flying and banners waving in
+the breeze.  The sun shone on the steel-tipped lances, and the bared
+swords flashed like a forest of steel.  Nearer and nearer thundered the
+horses: their hoofs rang hard on the causeway, and I expected every
+moment to hear the roar of our artillery.  But every gun was dumb; not
+one opened its mouth, and not a single musket shot came from the
+shelter of the thick wood.
+
+What did it all mean?  I did not know; in the excitement, did not even
+guess; it was enough that Turenne with his handful of troopers was
+flying before Conde's host.  Still we maintained our order, and though
+riding fast rode together, every man preserving his proper place and
+distance.  Suddenly there came an order from the Marshal, and like a
+flash we turned with our horses' heads facing the exulting enemy.
+
+"Charge!" shouted a voice, and without break or pause we thundered
+back, waving our swords and yelling, "_Vive le Roi!_"
+
+It seemed a mad thing to do, but Turenne was with us, and Turenne was
+worth an army.  Conde's troopers tried to gather themselves against the
+shock, but, confident of victory, they were riding in loose order, and
+we gave them no time to close their ranks.  Crash!  We went into them
+like a thunderbolt, and the bravest rebel there could not stand against
+the furious onslaught.
+
+Turenne fought like an ordinary trooper, and as for Raoul, he outshone
+himself.  I tried hard to keep up with him, but he outpaced me and
+every horseman in his squadron.
+
+"_Vive le Roi!_" he shouted, and "_Vive le Roi!_" answered back his
+toiling troopers.
+
+Once I lost sight of him in the press and feared he had gone down, but
+the next instant I heard his battle-cry again, and there he was, amidst
+a throng of foes on the very edge of the causeway.  Another order from
+Turenne brought us to a halt, and we cheered frantically as the broken
+rebels crowded together in their efforts to escape.
+
+Suddenly Turenne's plan was made clear.  A noise of thunder broke on
+our ears; the air was filled with smoke and flame, the struggling
+horsemen were bowled over by the great iron balls from the battery.
+The causeway had become a lane of death; men and horses fell to the
+ground; the confusion grew terrible; Conde's splendid cavalry was a
+mere rabble, struggling and fighting to get clear of the awful passage.
+Those who succeeded in breaking through galloped off swiftly, but, when
+the gunners ceased their work of destruction, the lane was carpeted
+with the bodies of the dying and dead.
+
+"Now, young sir," exclaimed Turenne, turning to me, "you may return and
+tell the Cardinal there is nothing to fear.  The prince is thoroughly
+beaten and can attempt no more to-day.  His Majesty can sleep in peace
+at Gien."
+
+I would gladly have stayed longer, for Raoul was being carried off by
+some of his troopers, and I feared he was badly wounded.  However, in
+the army one has to obey; so, gathering up my reins, I galloped back
+towards Gien, spreading the news of the victory on the way.  In the
+town itself the crowds of frightened people thronged around me,
+pressing so closely that I could barely proceed at a walking pace.
+
+"The news, monsieur?" they cried.  "What of the battle?  Has Conde won?
+Tell us what the prince is doing!"
+
+Again and again I repeated that the prince was defeated, but they
+seemed not to understand, or understanding, not to believe.  By slow
+degrees I reached Mazarin's apartments, and the Cardinal, agitated and
+almost trembling, advanced quickly to meet me.
+
+"The news?" said he.  "Is it good or ill?"
+
+"Good, your Eminence," I answered, and at that he bade me accompany him
+into the presence of the boy-king and the Queen-Mother, to whom I
+repeated Turenne's message.  Then they asked about the fight, and I, to
+the best of my ability, gave them a description of the battle.
+
+"My son," said the Queen-Mother gravely, "you must be very grateful to
+Marshal Turenne.  He has placed the crown a second time on your head."
+
+As soon as I was dismissed from the royal presence I sought Pillot, and
+told him we must ride at once to Blenau to look for Raoul.
+
+"M. Beauchamp wounded, monsieur?  Is he hurt very much?"
+
+"That is what I want to find out."
+
+We were silent on the journey; I was greatly troubled about Raoul, and
+the dwarf did not care to disturb my thoughts.  We met some of the
+wounded being taken to Gien and Briare; others were at Blenau, and
+amongst these we found Raoul.
+
+"M. Beauchamp?" said the surgeon to whom I spoke.  "Yes, he is here,
+waiting to have his wounds dressed; he is a lucky fellow; there is
+nothing serious; he will return to Gien to-morrow.  In less than a
+month he will be in the saddle again.  You can see him if you wish."
+
+Raoul's eyes flashed with pleasure at my approach.  He was very pale
+from loss of blood, but was able to talk, and spoke hopefully of
+returning to duty in a few days.  He did not tell me, however, what I
+afterwards learned from others, that the Marshal had paid him a visit
+and had spoken in the highest terms of his bravery.
+
+As soon as his wounds were dressed and he was made comfortable I
+returned to Gien, in order to be at hand in case the Cardinal needed my
+services.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+The King Visits Raoul.
+
+I shall not soon forget the day the Court left Gien.  Mazarin had kept
+me fully employed until a late hour on the previous evening, and
+directly after breakfast I went to spend a last five minutes with
+Raoul.  Turenne had given orders that he should be well lodged, and the
+King's own surgeons had attended to dress his wounds.  The news of his
+gallant exploit had quickly spread abroad, and numerous luxuries had
+been forwarded to the sick room from the royal table.
+
+Happily his hurts were not serious, a gash across his sword-arm being
+the worst, but he could dress himself with the assistance of Pillot,
+whom I had sent to wait on him, though he had to let the right sleeve
+of his tunic hang empty.  Pillot had finished dressing him when I
+entered, and Raoul exclaimed with a laugh, "I shall be sorry when you
+go, Albert; I shall lose an admirable valet."
+
+"We move at once," I answered, "but Pillot will remain here till you
+can manage without his assistance.  Is it not so, Pillot?"
+
+"Certainly, monsieur, if M. Beauchamp permits."
+
+"Why," exclaimed Raoul, smiling, "as to that I should be very pleased,
+but how will M. de Lalande manage?"
+
+"Look after himself," said I.  "The change will do me good; I have been
+growing lazy of late.  Listen!  What a hubbub in the street!  Some one
+is coming up the stairs.  Run to the door, Pillot, and see who our
+visitor is."
+
+The dwarf had just crossed the room when there was a knock at the door,
+and an officer high in the royal household entered.
+
+"M. Beauchamp," said he, glancing round with a smile, "I congratulate
+you on your good fortune.  His most gracious Majesty is below, with
+Marshal Turenne, who has sung your praises so loudly that, before
+leaving Gien, His Majesty insisted on coming to visit you."
+
+Never in all my life had I felt such a thrill of joy as at these words.
+The King was coming to visit Raoul!  My heart beat fast at the sound of
+footsteps on the stairs, and I bubbled over with happy excitement as
+the famous soldier and the royal boy made their appearance.
+
+"M. Beauchamp," exclaimed the Marshal, "His Majesty has heard of your
+brave deeds, and has done you the honour of paying you a visit before
+he leaves Gien."
+
+Raoul bowed respectfully, speaking just the words required, and acting,
+in short, as a French gentleman should, who is honoured by his
+monarch's approval.
+
+[Transcriber's note: illustration missing from book]
+
+I watched the young King closely.  He was a handsome lad, and, though
+not forgetting his regal dignity, he spoke from his heart with all a
+high-spirited boy's emotion.
+
+"Monsieur," said he, "to the soldier honoured by the greatest general
+in Europe, a king's gift can have little value.  Yet keep this in
+remembrance of this day, and if ever the need should arise for your
+monarch's favour, it shall prove a sure passport."
+
+[Illustration: "Keep this in remembrance of this day."]
+
+As he spoke he took a star set with brilliants from his own breast, and
+fastened it on Raoul's.
+
+Bowing low, my comrade spoke his thanks like a gallant knight, and then
+the royal boy, flushing with pleasure at his own kindly act, and
+bidding Raoul recover his strength soon, took his departure,
+accompanied by the Marshal.
+
+"Well done, Raoul!" I cried, "now your fortune is assured.  That star
+will carry you to the very highest position in the days to come.  I
+wish Humphreys had been here to share our pleasure."
+
+"What is it?" cried a cheery voice from the door.  "Do you know the
+King is in the street?"
+
+"Yes," said I, pointing to the star on Raoul's breast, "he has been
+here, and that is what he has left behind."
+
+"Hurrah!" cried the Englishman.  "Bravo, Raoul!  You deserve your luck
+if any one does."
+
+"I owe the honour to Marshal Turenne's considerate kindness."
+
+"And to something else!  The Marshal doesn't escort young Louis round
+giving brilliants to every one who was in the battle!  I suppose you
+have heard we are moving again?  Conde has left his army and gone to
+Paris.  I really believe the war will not last much longer."
+
+"I hope not," said I heartily; "if it does, the country will be ruined
+completely."
+
+"Conde and his friends are to blame for that.  But I must be off now; I
+am baggage-minder-in-chief to the Court."
+
+"It must be a terrible responsibility having to look after the ladies'
+dresses," laughed Raoul.
+
+"Don't be in too great a hurry to take the field," advised Humphreys,
+as we wished him good-bye.  "That is a nasty gash on the sword-arm, and
+will require some time to heal.  Does Pillot stay behind?  Ah!  I
+congratulate you, Beauchamp; he is a capital nurse.  See that M.
+Beauchamp is quite well before he leaves, Pillot."
+
+"Monsieur will find that I shall do my best," exclaimed the little man,
+and then with a last farewell to Raoul, Humphreys and I took our
+departure.
+
+Nothing of any consequence occurred during the next fortnight.  The
+Court removed to St. Germain, and the army to Palisseau, but, beyond a
+skirmish or two, there was no fighting.  As usual, however, there were
+plenty of rumours, and every man had a different story to relate of
+what was going on.  As to Mazarin, he spent his days, and nights too,
+in writing and reading innumerable notes, and in interviewing
+mysterious people.
+
+One evening, having for a wonder no duties to perform, I strolled over
+to the palace for a chat with Humphreys.
+
+"Have you heard the latest news?" he asked, and, as I shook my head,
+added laughingly, "it is not a rumour but a fact.  Turenne has doubled
+back on Etampes, and has shut up the bulk of the rebels there.  It will
+be a grand stroke if he captures the town."
+
+"Is Conde there?"
+
+"I think not.  Most accounts state that he is still in Paris.  A lucky
+thing you took the ladies away; the city, according to some of the
+Queen's friends who have just crept out, is in a frightful state.  The
+people are up in arms, and the mob is burning and plundering on all
+sides."
+
+"What is the Duke of Orleans doing?"
+
+"Making up his mind and altering it again; he has no leisure for
+anything else.  Mazarin seems to have been busy lately."
+
+"Spoiling paper! there will be soon none left in the kingdom.  While
+Turenne is fighting, the Cardinal is driving bargains."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed my comrade scornfully, "the truth is, it is every man
+for himself and the country can go to the dogs."
+
+About a week after this conversation with Humphreys, M. Belloc ordered
+me to be at the Cardinal's room at four o'clock the next morning.
+
+"Have your horse ready, and in good trim, as I believe you have a long
+journey."
+
+"Not as far as Bruhl, I hope?"
+
+"No," said he with a smile; "I think none of us will need to return to
+Bruhl in a hurry, though it is difficult to prophesy.  However, see to
+your horse, and then get off to bed.  The Cardinal will expect you at
+the very second."
+
+By this time I was well aware of Mazarin's crotchets, and took care to
+present myself at the proper time.  His secretary opened the door, and
+admitted me into his master's room.  Whether Mazarin ever went to bed
+at this period of his life I cannot say, but he always gave me the
+impression that he could live without sleep.  There he was at four
+o'clock, in dressing gown and slippers, writing with no sign of
+weariness whatever.
+
+"Is your horse saddled, M. de Lalande?" he asked, without stopping or
+taking his eyes from the paper.
+
+"Yes, your Eminence."
+
+"Very good.  Here is a little document; put it away safely.  It is for
+Marshal Turenne, and it must be given to him this evening.  He is at
+Etampes, or rather in the neighbourhood.  Do not lose the missive,
+though it is less important than some you have carried."
+
+"Do I return at once, your Eminence?"
+
+"That will depend on Marshal Turenne.  You will place yourself under
+his orders.  And now, a prosperous ride to you."
+
+M. Belloc, who had placed my horse in care of a soldier, was waiting
+outside.  He evidently knew the nature of my errand, and, as I mounted,
+wished me a quick and pleasant journey.
+
+"The country is fairly clear," he said, "and there is not much chance
+of meeting with an enemy.  Still, it will be as well to keep your eyes
+open."
+
+"I will," said I, thinking of my journey to Bruhl, and of the
+smooth-spoken Captain Courcy.
+
+There was, however, little cause for alarm, the only soldiers I
+encountered being King's troops.  At Limours, where I intended to stop
+for an hour or two, the inns were filled with them, and I found some
+difficulty in getting my horse stabled.  The inn at which I at length
+stopped was the Golden Fleece, and even there every room was occupied.
+
+"I am grieved," exclaimed the innkeeper, a portly man with rubicund
+face, "but monsieur can have a table for his refreshment, and he will
+not find the guests objectionable."
+
+Opening a door, he ushered me into an apartment where three men sat.
+Two of them were evidently in company; the third, rather to my
+astonishment, was Pillot, who, glancing up at my entrance, rose to
+greet me.
+
+"You have left Gien then?" I said.  "Where is M. Beauchamp?"
+
+"In the camp before Etampes, monsieur.  He has recovered from his
+wounds, and has returned to his squadron.  I offered to stay with him a
+while longer, but he preferred that I should join you."
+
+"When did you leave him?"
+
+"This morning, monsieur."
+
+As there was no need to take Pillot with me, I ordered him to remain at
+the inn until my return, which would probably be the next day.
+
+"Very well, monsieur," said he pleasantly.
+
+As soon as my horse was sufficiently rested I resumed my journey,
+telling Pillot he might expect me at any hour of the day or night.  I
+was sorry Raoul had left Gien, though pleased at the prospect of seeing
+him at Etampes, and, but for the strangeness attending our meeting, I
+should have entirely passed over the episode of this otherwise
+uneventful ride.
+
+Marshal Turenne was inspecting the position of a battery when I found
+him, but he instantly opened and read the Cardinal's note.
+
+"Hum!" said he, knitting his brows, "this is a serious matter, and
+requires thought.  You will remain in the camp until I am ready to
+furnish his Eminence with an answer.  You have friends among my
+gentlemen?"
+
+"M. Beauchamp is my chief friend, general."
+
+"Ah!  I remember you now.  I saw you at Blenau and again at Gien.
+Well, you cannot do better than spend an hour or two with M.
+Beauchamp," and he directed one of his attendants to conduct me to
+Raoul's tent.
+
+"Albert!" exclaimed my comrade, jumping up in surprise.  "How came you
+here?  Ah!  I forgot!  You are on the Cardinal's business?"
+
+"Yes, but I met Pillot at Limours, and he told me you had rejoined your
+squadron.  I hope you did not leave Gien too soon?"
+
+"No, I am quite strong again, and I could not lie there doing nothing."
+
+Now, I do not pretend to explain his behaviour at that time, or the
+mystery which followed; my readers must judge for themselves after I
+have stated the facts.  That something had altered my old comrade very
+much was plain.  He had lost his high spirits, and replied to my
+sallies with only a half-hearted smile.  When I rallied him on this
+gloomy fit he dismissed the subject hastily, leading me to talk of John
+Humphreys and what the Court was doing at St. Germain.
+
+I had been with him an hour or a little more when an officer brought
+word that Marshal Turenne desired to see M. Beauchamp immediately.
+
+"Stay where you are, Albert, and make yourself comfortable," he
+exclaimed.  "It is an order for some piece of special service perhaps;
+the Marshal is always planning a fresh surprise."
+
+Left alone, I began wondering more than ever at the remarkable change
+which had come over him.  He was as keen as ever to perform his duties,
+but the quick, bright smile, the joyous laugh, the old boyish merriment
+had vanished.
+
+"He is weak from his wounds," I thought; "he should have stayed longer
+at Gien, and let Pillot nurse him.  Perhaps he will throw off this
+gloomy air as he gets stronger."
+
+At the end of half-an-hour he returned, and I concluded by his manner
+that the Marshal had entrusted him with some important business.
+
+"Another expedition," I said, springing up.  "Take care, Raoul, the
+pitcher may go to the well once too often."
+
+"It matters little, dear friend, but at present there is no need for
+alarm.  Do you know what was in that packet from the Cardinal?  Conde
+has won over the Duke of Lorraine, who is marching on Paris with a
+large army.  Turenne intends to break up his camp and attack the Duke."
+
+"That will be awkward; we shall be placed between two fires."
+
+"Trust to Turenne; he understands his business.  A few troops will stay
+here for a day or two.  Meanwhile, we march light; we shall strike our
+blow at Lorraine, and then the rest of our army will rejoin us."
+
+"Leaving Conde's troops to slip out of Etampes!"
+
+"So much the better; they will be compelled to fight in the open."
+
+"Are you riding with the Marshal?"
+
+"In front of him.  He has selected my squadron to scour the country in
+advance.  It will be a change from camp life.  Now, I must go; we shall
+meet again soon."
+
+"I hope so!"
+
+"It is certain," he answered calmly, "the stars have foretold it."
+
+I looked at him in surprise, and said, "You were not used to put your
+faith in the stars, Raoul!"
+
+"No," he answered, dreamily, "but I have learned much of late.  Do you
+remember the open space before the Porte St. Antoine?  It is there we
+shall meet.  I hear the roar of cannon, the rattle of muskets, the
+hoof-beats of horses, the fierce shouts of struggling men.  I see----
+Ah well, dear friend, it is not long to wait!"
+
+I tried to detain him, to make him speak more plainly, but he would say
+nothing further, and, leaving the tent, we walked in silence to the
+lines farthest from Etampes.  Raoul's horsemen were already there, and
+presently Turenne himself, attended by two officers, rode up.  In a few
+stirring words he addressed the troopers, bidding them justify his
+choice, and speaking in high terms of their young leader.  Then he gave
+Raoul his final instructions, and my friend pressed my hand in a last
+grasp.
+
+"_Au revoir!_" said he quietly.  "Remember the Porte St. Antoine!"
+
+I stood for a while watching the weird scene as the troopers filed off
+silently, and in perfect order.  Raoul, who had placed himself at their
+head, was soon out of sight, but I could not banish his strange words
+from my mind.
+
+"Remember the Porte St. Antoine!"  What did he mean?  Why had he
+mentioned that particular spot as the scene of our meeting?  What was
+the strange vision at which he had hinted?  Alas!  I understood later,
+but even to this day the manner of his foreknowledge remains a mystery.
+
+"Is that M. de Lalande?"
+
+Starting from my dream, I found it was Marshal Turenne who addressed
+me, and saluting, I answered his question.
+
+"Come to me at daybreak," he said; "I wish to send a letter by you to
+Cardinal Mazarin," and he galloped off, the two officers following.
+
+Returning to Raoul's tent--for the troopers had left every thing
+standing--I lay down, and tried, though unsuccessfully, to sleep.  My
+comrade's mysterious speech haunted me; I could make nothing of it, and
+it was with a feeling of relief that I saw the day open.  Having
+groomed and fed my horse, I went to the Marshal's tent.  The famous
+soldier had the note written, but he made me stay while his servant
+prepared a simple breakfast, to which we both sat down.  Then, sending
+a man for my horse, he wished me a safe journey, and I rode from the
+camp as the troops began to stir.
+
+Pillot was waiting for me at Etampes, and I questioned him closely
+concerning Raoul.
+
+"It is true that M. Beauchamp has changed much," said he; "I noticed it
+at Gien."
+
+"Was there any reason for it?"
+
+"Ah, monsieur, it is hard to tell.  For a week after you left Gien, M.
+Beauchamp was bright and cheerful as usual, and planning great things
+for you and himself.  Then, one evening, on going to his room, I found
+him lying down, fully dressed.  He seemed to be asleep."
+
+"Seemed to be?" I interrupted crossly, "could you not make sure?"
+
+"He did not hear me, monsieur, and he did not answer when I spoke, but
+his eyes were open and bright.  Presently, as I stood in a corner of
+the room, he began talking as if to some person.  Then suddenly he
+sprang up, his face was white, and his eyes stared as if they had seen
+something dreadful, and he trembled all over.  I called his name, and
+he glanced round in a frightened way as if surprised to find himself in
+a room."
+
+"Did he make any remark?"
+
+"He said he had been dreaming, and made me take him into the street to
+clear the cobwebs from his brain.  I think the same dream came again
+afterwards, but he would not speak of it, though once I heard him
+mutter to himself, 'It was the Porte St. Antoine!'"
+
+"The Porte St. Antoine?" I cried, more astonished than ever; "that is
+where he declared I should meet him next!"
+
+"There are many strange things for which we cannot account, monsieur!"
+exclaimed Pillot--a remark which, though true enough, gave me small
+comfort.
+
+The little man did his best to cheer me, but it was a dreary ride
+notwithstanding, and he must have been glad when towards evening we
+reached St. Germain.  Having given Mazarin the Marshal's note, and
+finding the time at my own disposal, I went to seek Humphreys.
+
+"Well, my friend, so you have returned," exclaimed the jovial
+Englishman.  "You look tired and troubled.  Is anything wrong?"
+
+"I have seen Raoul."
+
+"That should not have depressed you!  So he is back with the army?  I
+thought he would not stay quiet long."
+
+"It is on Raoul's account I am uneasy," I replied, and without more
+ado, described the change that had come over him, and repeated his
+mysterious words.
+
+"A bagatelle!" declared Humphreys, "a mere trifle!  He has been moping,
+and has got queer fancies into his head; sick people often do.  Think
+no more of it, that is my advice; in a week he will be laughing at his
+dreams.  The jingle of spurs and the blare of trumpets will soon drive
+away those notions."
+
+"I am not so certain of that, my friend.  Besides, he is not suffering
+from his wound now; he has recovered his strength."
+
+"Of body, I grant you; and when his mind becomes clearer, these
+whimseys will vanish like ghosts at cock-crow."
+
+The Englishman seemed so sure, and spoke so confidently, that while in
+his company I felt half inclined to smile at my childish ideas; but
+later, in the solitude of my own room, they did not appear so childish.
+The notion that Raoul was in some danger had disturbed my brain, and
+several times during the night I awoke with a start, fancying I heard
+him call my name.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+"Remember the Porte St. Antoine."
+
+It was, perhaps, fortunate that about this time Mazarin kept me very
+busy.  Events moved quickly; the situation changed every day; no one
+knew at one hour what would happen the next.  The Cardinal remained
+with the Court, but I spent most of my time on horseback, galloping
+with hastily written letters from one leader to another.
+
+One day I was sent to Villeneuve St. Georges, where Turenne, having
+made a daring march, had just arrived.  The Marshal was in a position
+of extreme danger.  Lorraine was in front of him with a large army;
+Conde's troops were approaching swiftly from Etampes.  There was an
+even greater peril, of which, however, I had no idea, till the famous
+soldier had read Mazarin's note.
+
+"Here is news," said he, speaking to an officer of high rank; "Conde
+has left Paris and has joined his troops.  We must settle this affair
+soon, or the prince will be too quick for us."
+
+He possessed the highest respect for Conde as a soldier, and the prince
+on his part regarded Turenne as the only enemy to be feared.  These two
+were, in fact, the most celebrated generals in Europe, and it was a
+thousand pities for France that their swords were not pointed against a
+common enemy.
+
+"Let us see what the Cardinal offers," he continued, proceeding to read
+Mazarin's note.  "Hum!  Lorraine won't accept those terms, unless I
+back them up by a show of bayonets.  Yet he must be got rid of!  We
+can't fight both him and Conde at the same time."
+
+Presently turning to me he said, "Ride back to St. Germain, De Lalande,
+and inform the Cardinal that I will send a messenger within twenty-four
+hours.  By then Lorraine will be in full retreat or His Majesty will be
+minus an army."
+
+Before leaving the camp I endeavoured to find Raoul, but without
+success.  Several officers informed me that he was rarely with the main
+body, his troopers being chiefly used for scouting purposes.  This was
+disappointing; so, as there was clearly no chance of meeting him, I
+returned to St. Germain and delivered my message.
+
+How he managed it I cannot explain--some people hinted that Mazarin's
+craft had most to do with it--but Turenne was as good as his word, and
+the next evening an officer from his army galloped into St. Germain
+with the information that, without striking a blow, Lorraine had broken
+up his camp and was retreating to Flanders.  Mazarin rubbed his hands
+at the news, and purred softly, as he usually did when well pleased.
+
+"We are getting on, gentlemen!" said he.  "Before long His Majesty will
+be in his capital again."
+
+In this the Cardinal was mistaken, but every day still further improved
+our position.  The Court removed to St. Denis; Conde, who had posted
+his troops on the bank of the Seine, near St. Cloud, was being pressed
+day and night by Turenne, and was at length forced to retreat in the
+direction of Charenton.
+
+As soon as this became known in St. Denis the utmost excitement
+prevailed, and every one began asking what the people of Paris would
+do.  Unless the gates of the city were opened the prince must either
+win a brilliant victory or be crushed.  On this point Mazarin spoke
+very sensibly.
+
+"Everything depends on the result of the first stroke," said he.  "The
+Duke of Orleans is in command of the town.  He will blow hot and cold
+after his manner: Conde will ask for shelter, and Gaston will hesitate.
+There lies our chance.  If we can catch and beat the prince meanwhile,
+all will go well; Gaston ever leans to the strongest side."
+
+Turenne, who had come to consult with the Cardinal, smiled grimly.
+
+"Take His Majesty to Charonne," he advised, "and bid him write a letter
+with his own hand to the Council, forbidding the gates to be opened.
+It may do good: it cannot do harm."
+
+"And meanwhile?" asked Mazarin.
+
+"My cavaliers are hot on the prince's track.  I have ordered La Ferte
+to cross the river with his artillery, and Conde must either surrender
+or accept battle at St. Antoine."
+
+"Remember the Porte St. Antoine!"  The words sounded in my ears so
+clearly that it almost seemed as if I heard Raoul speaking.
+
+"The Court will be in no danger," Turenne continued, "but I shall
+require every man who can use a sword or fire a musket.  Have you ever
+seen a wild boar at bay?  That is how Conde fights.  I shall beat him,
+but the pack will be badly mauled.  Gentlemen, who will ride with
+Turenne, and die with Turenne, if needs be, for the honour of France?"
+
+There were a dozen of us, all belonging to Mazarin's body-guard, at the
+lower end of the room, and instantly every sword leaped from its
+scabbard and flashed in the air.
+
+"I!  I!  I!" we shouted like a number of enthusiastic boys, and the
+famous general laughed genially.
+
+No one, I fear, waited for the Cardinal's consent, and when, a few
+minutes later, Turenne mounted his horse, fifty headstrong cavaliers
+fell in joyously behind him.
+
+"For the King! gentlemen," cried he.  "For the King!" we echoed
+loyally, and the royal boy, with flushed cheeks and gleaming eyes, came
+in person to bid us farewell.
+
+"I thank you, gentlemen, all," said he, and there was a curious catch
+in his voice.  "I would I were riding in your ranks, but while the King
+has such loyal servants France need fear no rebels.  I wish you
+success, gentlemen, you and your gallant leader."
+
+At this, waving our plumed hats high, we cheered again and swept
+forward with a rush.  From the Faubourg St. Denis came the sounds of
+musketry, of wild battle shouts, and cries of triumph and despair.
+
+"Forward!" cried Turenne.  "Forward!"
+
+Riding with loose reins we spurred hard to the scene of conflict, just
+in time to see the backs of Conde's rearguard.  The gallant fellows had
+fought stubbornly, contesting every foot of ground, and sacrificing
+themselves in order to delay our advance.  Now, however, they were in
+retreat, and Turenne, leaving his victorious infantry to re-form,
+collected his horsemen and pressed on in pursuit.
+
+Among the foremost rode my old comrade, and my heart beat fast at sight
+of him.  His head was bare, his long fair curls fell about his
+shoulders, his cheeks were flushed, his eyes fiercely bright.  I had
+never seen him in such a state of intense excitement.  As I joined him
+he greeted me with a forced smile, but there was no time for speech.
+Side by side we dashed through the streets into the Faubourg St.
+Martin.  Here several squadrons of Conde's cavalry barred our way, but
+Raoul halted not.
+
+"For the King!" he cried, waving his sword.  "For the King!" as we
+leaped at the horsemen, while our comrades, answering with a lusty
+shout, galloped madly behind us.
+
+Crash!  We were in the midst of the throng, cutting, thrusting,
+parrying, pressing the rebels back slowly.  They fought well, as became
+Frenchmen, but we were too many, and at last they broke.
+
+"Forward!" cried Raoul, who was still in front, but Turenne called us
+back.
+
+"Softly, softly," exclaimed our leader; "a few hundred horsemen cannot
+defeat an army in position.  We must go slowly for a while.  The enemy
+are entrenched behind barricades in the Faubourg St. Antoine."
+
+Raoul looked at me meaningly, and I became unnerved by the odd
+coincidence.  Was it chance or fate?
+
+"Together till the end," he whispered.  "Do not grieve for me, dear
+friend, it is written in the stars, and I am content."
+
+I tried to reply, but my lips were dumb; I could only press his hand in
+silence.
+
+Like a wise general Conde was meanwhile seizing and strengthening every
+defensible post.  His men pierced the houses for musketry, raised new
+obstacles everywhere, heightened the barricades, and dragged the big
+guns into the open space.  Every moment's delay on our part rendered
+the position more formidable, and we listened anxiously for the tramp,
+tramp, of our brave infantry.
+
+"Can't we take the place at a rush?" asked one man impetuously, and
+Raoul looked at him with a smile.
+
+"You do not know the Faubourg St. Antoine," said he; "I do.  I was here
+when Lorraine's troops put up the barricades.  Even with our infantry
+we shall be too weak to force a passage."
+
+"Bah!" cried a listener impatiently, "there are three broad streets
+leading to the gate, and we can have our choice of them.  Then Conde
+will be cornered."
+
+"Every house is a fortress," said Raoul, "and a dozen narrow streets
+lead into each avenue.  Turenne will attack when the infantry arrives,
+but with any other general I should call it madness to move without La
+Ferte's artillery."
+
+My comrade's reputation for reckless bravery was so well established
+that his words produced some impression, though it was tantalising to
+wait there while the enemy worked with all their might to render the
+Faubourg impregnable.  Presently, a thundering cheer announced the
+arrival of our infantry, and we looked anxiously at Turenne to discover
+if he would risk the hazard of the die.  A very rash general would have
+flung us at the barricades without a thought; a weak one would have
+hesitated too long; what would Turenne do?
+
+Sitting his horse calmly at the head of his troops, he summoned his
+principal officers around him, and explained his intentions.  We could
+only guess at his words, but very soon the group broke up, the officers
+galloped to their stations, commands were issued: first one section,
+then another of the troops moved slowly forward, and we became aware
+that Turenne had resolved to attack without waiting for his artillery.
+
+It has been mentioned that three principal streets led to the open
+space before the gate, and along these avenues of death we fought our
+way in three divisions.  Raoul and I accompanied Turenne in the centre.
+Foot by foot, almost inch by inch, we advanced beneath a hail of
+bullets.  Men fell fast, but the survivors struggled on undauntedly.
+From every window sped the leaden messengers into our midst; from
+behind each barricade flashed a flame of fire.
+
+"The houses must be cleared!" exclaimed the general.  "Let the
+musketeers clear them one by one!" and he ordered us to seek shelter,
+though he himself continued in the open, coolly directing the
+operations.
+
+With fierce cries the musketeers swarmed into the buildings, and at the
+point of the bayonet drove the enemy from room to room, slaying all
+those who refused to surrender.  I had thought the fight on the plain
+of Blenau terrible, but it was child's play to this.  Stoutly and
+gallantly the rebels fought, but one by one the houses fell into our
+hands; the barricades were torn down, and again the signal sounded for
+the cavalry to advance.
+
+Alas!  Already many of the gay gentlemen who had ridden so joyously
+through St. Martin had fallen; but there was no time to mourn their
+loss.  Turenne was in front, and the folds of the King's banner,
+shot-torn and blackened, were fluttering in the breeze.  In after years
+our gracious monarch's colours were borne in many a hot encounter, but
+never, I think, in a more desperate fray than the struggle at St.
+Antoine, between--shame on those who made it possible--Frenchmen and
+Frenchmen.
+
+No war is good to look upon in cold blood, when the lust of battle has
+died away, but a cruel fight between men of the same blood and race is
+abominable.  Yet, on that day, I question if it made any of us more
+gentle to know that our enemies were Frenchmen.
+
+"Forward!" cried our chief, and with a rush we swept the street from
+end to end, crying, "_Vive le Roi!_" as if victory were already won.
+
+Then, suddenly, the roar of the guns greeted us, and, under cover of
+the smoke, Conde leaped into our midst at the head of his household
+troops.  From the first I have maintained that the prince did France a
+foul wrong in setting himself against his rightful monarch, but it
+cannot be denied that he was a splendid soldier.  With his war-cry
+ringing high and clear above the tumult he came at us; the fight grew
+terrible; our infantry, unable to avoid the horses, fell back in
+confusion, leaving a scattered handful of cavaliers to continue the
+contest alone.  Seeing his advantage, the prince flung every available
+horseman at us, and, though fighting desperately, we were driven back
+by force of numbers.
+
+Again and again we returned to the charge, and many gallant feats of
+arms were performed, but victory appeared hopeless, and we listened
+anxiously for the sound of La Ferte's cannon.  Thus far, at least,
+Raoul's judgment had proved correct.  Ill news came both from right and
+left.  Our men, suffering fearfully from the hidden musketry fire, made
+headway only at a wasteful expense of life.  More than one high officer
+had fallen at the barricades, and Conde, who seemed to be in several
+places at once, beat back each fresh assault.
+
+Everywhere our soldiers were growing dispirited, and even talked of
+waiting for help; but Turenne, who had an iron will, would not hear of
+defeat.  Rising in his stirrups, and looking steadily at his band of
+cavaliers, he cried cheerfully, "One more charge, gentlemen!"
+
+"For the King!" answered Raoul, waving his stained sword above his
+head, and we all echoed the cry lustily.
+
+Turenne gave the word, and once again we swept like a hurricane through
+the street.  The rebels awaited the onset, but the shock was too great.
+Back they went, steadily at first, then swiftly, and at last in
+headlong flight.  Conde, brave as a lion--to my thinking no braver man
+took part in the fight--endeavoured in vain to rally them; only his
+staunchest leaders stayed at his side.  Raoul, a horse's length in
+front of us, galloped forward, and struck furiously at the rebel chief.
+The blow partly missed, but the sword drew blood.
+
+"For the King!" shouted my comrade.
+
+"Down with Mazarin!" responded our opponents defiantly, and surrounding
+Conde forced him against his will to retire.
+
+Meanwhile our musketeers, swarming into the houses, maintained an
+incessant and destructive fire, The rebels in their turn lost heart,
+and even their leader's matchless courage could hardly keep them at
+their posts.  A cheer on the right announced our success in that
+quarter, and presently arose an answering cry from the left.  The three
+divisions had fought their way to the open space, and unless the
+Parisians unbolted the gate the rebel army was doomed.  Paris was at
+their backs, we were in front, and they could not break through us.
+
+A band of their leaders held the last barricade with heroic courage.
+Separated from all their friends, they were in desperate plight; yet
+they blenched not.  One after another they fell grievously wounded, and
+some among them bore the highest names in France.  It was a pitiful
+sight, yet they refused to surrender, though Turenne, I am certain,
+would gladly have spared them.  Presently Conde, who had meanwhile been
+endeavouring to stem the tide of battle elsewhere, observed their
+plight, and, collecting a band of devoted adherents, made a gallant
+attempt at rescue.
+
+Raoul, evidently thinking this a fine opportunity to seize the prince,
+spurred into the open; I raced after him quickly, others followed, and
+crying, "Down with Conde!" charged in a body at the princely rebel.
+
+While some of his friends rescued the survivors at the barricade, the
+others rode in our direction.  With a ringing cheer we sprang at them,
+struck out furiously right and left, spurred our horses into the
+throng, pierced it in every direction, till finally it fell apart.
+Disdaining meaner foes, Raoul rode at the prince, engaging him in
+deadly combat.  He still wore the King's gift on his breast, and fought
+as if he were the monarch's sole champion.  Whether he was Conde's
+equal in swordsmanship I cannot say, but he kept the prince well
+employed.
+
+Suddenly, as they fought, the roar of La Ferte's guns broke out, and we
+had the enemy at our mercy.  Conde, as if recognising this, began to
+withdraw, and Raoul was pressing on more vigorously when a rebel
+horseman, spurring toward the gate, cut him down.  I saw the tragedy
+distinctly, but could do no more than utter a warning cry, which, alas,
+my comrade did not hear.
+
+How the Parisians by opening the gate and letting the rebels through
+robbed us of victory, the world knows, but at the moment I cared
+little.  All my hopes and fears were centred in Raoul, and, heedless of
+the dropping bullets, I rode across to the spot where he lay.  He was
+in terrible pain, stricken I feared unto death, but his wonderful
+courage remained unbroken, and he did not even murmur when, with the
+assistance of some trusty comrades, I carried him to one of the empty
+houses.
+
+The fight was over now; Conde's troops had escaped into the city; the
+sullen roar of the guns died away; men thought only of succouring the
+wounded who dotted the ground in large numbers.  A kindly surgeon,
+hearing of Raoul's plight, hurried to the room where we had placed him,
+but at the first glance he shook his head sorrowfully, and I knew there
+was no hope.
+
+"An hour, or two at the most," he whispered to me.  "The best physician
+in France could do no more than ease his pain."
+
+He did what he could and went his way, for there were many who needed
+his services; the soldiers, too, had departed, and I alone remained to
+watch my friend die.  Very still, and with closed eyes he lay, but his
+breathing was laboured, and from time to time a hoarse rattle sounded
+in his throat.  Presently his eyes opened, and he looked at me with a
+faint smile.  Then pointing to the King's star, he whispered, "For
+Marie," and I, not trusting myself to speak, bowed my head.
+
+"True friend," said he softly, "ever loyal!  Do not grieve, Albert; it
+must be for the best.  I am happy, quite happy.  Let me clasp your
+hand.  Ah, heaven was good in giving me such a friend!"
+
+His voice became more and more broken; the last sentence I could
+understand only by following closely the movements of his lips.  What
+could I say?  I could not bid him hope; we both knew he was dying, and
+that, in fact, his very moments were numbered.  So I sat there in the
+gathering gloom, holding his hand, and at intervals wiping the
+perspiration from his forehead.
+
+He spoke again, but now his mind wandered, and his thoughts drifted
+back to the happy days of our youth.  He recalled past events, smiling
+or frowning as they pleased or angered him in the days gone by.  Then
+for a time he lay still, but suddenly, as if coming to his senses, he
+looked up straight into my face.
+
+"Good-bye," he murmured.  "Tell Marie.  The open space--the guns and
+the hoof-beats.  Strange, strange!"
+
+And that was the end of it!  Raoul was dead!  How I mourned for him
+none can ever know: it is not seemly to lay bare the inmost secrets of
+our hearts to the gaze of curious eyes.
+
+Raoul was dead, and on the very threshold of life.
+
+We took him to St. Denis with many another gallant cavalier who had
+ridden out joyously to the fight with the cry of "For the King!" on his
+lips.  The monks buried him in a plot of consecrated ground without the
+monastery walls, and Turenne, who recognised his worth, attended the
+funeral.  Stalwart John Humphreys, who had been chosen to guard the
+young King, was there also.  He had loved the dead man dearly, and
+though he could say nothing to lessen my bitter grief, yet somehow his
+presence comforted me.
+
+The next day I despatched Pillot with the star and a letter to Aunay,
+paid a farewell visit to Raoul's grave, and before the sun had gained
+his full power was riding sword in hand at Turenne's side.  For in
+warfare action alone must be the solace for one's private griefs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+Mazarin Triumphant.
+
+Of my life during the next few months there is little to tell, beyond
+the ordinary perils of a soldier's career.  I carried the green scarf
+of Mazarin into several desperate battles, and stained my sword at the
+taking of more than one hostile town.  I marched and fought, was
+wounded and got well again, was complimented by Turenne and rewarded by
+the Queen-Regent.  In fine, I figured as a successful soldier as far as
+my youth permitted.
+
+Fortune favoured me, as the jade often does those who care nothing for
+her frowns or smiles, and in the affair at Brie Comte Robert, when the
+Court was once more in danger, I distinguished myself sufficiently to
+be thanked by our youthful monarch in person.
+
+But the praises and rewards showered upon me were not honestly earned,
+for my deeds were due to recklessness rather than to true bravery.  Day
+and night I was ready to take my life in my hands, and I lived in a
+whirl of excitement.  I made no new friends, though many dashing
+spirits offered me comradeship.  My heart was still sore for the loss
+of Raoul, and except for Pillot and the sturdy Englishman, John
+Humphreys, I went my way alone.
+
+While at Pontoise I saw much of Humphreys, who, in his bluff hearty
+way, did a good deal to cheer me.  He talked freely of Raoul, and I
+liked to listen to his praises of my dead friend.  However, the fortune
+of war was soon to cut me adrift from him.  Things were going very
+badly for us just at that time, and Turenne could barely hold his own.
+The Duke of Lorraine had returned to help Conde, and the Spanish
+general, Fuensaldana, was hurrying with a strong army to the Duke's
+side.
+
+"The Cardinal has played a clever game," remarked Pillot, one evening,
+"but he has lost now.  I heard it whispered this afternoon that he is
+likely to take another journey."
+
+"The Queen will not desert him," said I.
+
+"She cannot help herself, monsieur.  Even her strongest friends are
+clamouring for the Cardinal's dismissal."
+
+The next day I found that Pillot was right, and it was from Humphreys I
+heard it.
+
+"The matter has been all arranged," said he.  "The King is to be asked
+to dismiss Mazarin, and he will agree.  When that is done, it is
+thought the princes will lay down their arms."
+
+"And if not?"
+
+"The fighting will continue, I suppose.  But even Turenne will not be
+able to defeat Conde and Lorraine and the Spaniards.  They are too many
+for him."
+
+"He will do his best."
+
+"I grant you that, but even Turenne cannot accomplish impossibilities."
+
+This was almost the last chat I had with Humphreys for several months.
+Things turned out as he had prophesied.  Mazarin quitted the Court, and
+I accompanied him on the journey to Sedan.  For a beaten man he was
+very cheerful, and I felt sure that, even then, he was reckoning on a
+triumphant return.
+
+"This travelling is troublesome, De Lalande," said he, pleasantly, "but
+I have no doubt we shall find rest after a while."
+
+Now, although I served him faithfully and to the best of my ability,
+the Cardinal was no favourite of mine, yet I found it impossible not to
+admire him.  My old idea of the huge spider returned to me in stronger
+force.  He was always spinning, and with patience almost incredible.
+Now a thread was broken, now several; sometimes it seemed as if the web
+were entirely destroyed; yet still he persevered, never disheartened,
+never discouraged, never once, as far as I could judge, losing hope.
+
+Couriers from the Court followed us on every stage, bringing countless
+letters and messages, and Mazarin was always ready to send back
+instructions or advice.  He would write a despatch at two in the
+morning as cheerfully as at ten, and the worst tidings found him cool
+and collected.  Even Pillot began to admire the man, though the poor
+fellow was in despair at being taken farther and farther away from his
+beloved Paris.  He did not grumble, save in a comical manner, but his
+long absence from the capital was undoubtedly a sore trial to him.
+
+One evening--we were entering Soissons, if my memory serves me--a
+messenger galloped up in hot haste, and delivered a letter to the
+Cardinal, who was, at the moment, on horseback.  He read it through,
+and turning to the courier, said calmly, "Tell the Marshal there is no
+need for alarm; I will find a plan."
+
+During the remainder of the journey he rode in deep thought, but on
+reaching the house where he was to stay for the night, he said, with a
+smile, "De Lalande, I have yet another piece of work for you.  Come to
+me in the morning as soon as you have breakfasted."
+
+I saluted, and, turning away, ordered Pillot to see that the horses
+were ready early, as we might have a long journey the next day.
+
+"Perhaps it is to Paris, monsieur," he suggested, his eyes sparkling.
+"I wonder if we could find our way to the inn in the Rue de Roi?  I
+fear not.  It is so long since we were there.  The citizens will take
+me for a peasant!"
+
+"Hardly that!" I answered laughing.  "But why do you think we may go to
+Paris?"
+
+"I do not know," said he comically, "perhaps because I hoped it might
+be so."
+
+Poor Pillot was fated to be disappointed, as I discovered in the
+morning.  Mazarin had apparently been up for hours when I entered his
+room.  His table was littered with papers and letters, one of which was
+addressed to the Duke of Lorraine.
+
+"De Lalande," said he without ceremony, "how would you like to be
+captured by the Spaniards?"
+
+"Captured by the Spaniards, my Lord?"
+
+"Why, yes," said he, "it does not sound pleasant, but I fear that is
+what will happen to you.  This letter is addressed to the Duke of
+Lorraine, but it is really meant to fall into the hands of the Spanish
+general."
+
+"I understand, my Lord," I replied, though not with any degree of truth.
+
+"Hardly, De Lalande," said he lightly, "but I will make it clear to
+you.  Marshal Turenne has too many foes, and if we can induce
+Fuensaldana to retreat, it will be a point in our favour.  Should this
+letter fall into his hands he will decide to go, but the affair
+requires caution.  That is why I have selected you.  The Spaniards are
+near Compiegne, and I want you to be taken prisoner as soon as
+possible."
+
+"I will do my best, my Lord, though it is a queer errand," I replied as
+I took my leave.
+
+"_Parbleu!_ this Cardinal is a cunning fox," exclaimed Pillot, when I
+informed him of the kind of adventure in which we were engaged.  "The
+Spaniards will think Lorraine is making friends with the Court; they
+will take fright and decamp.  Truly this Mazarin is a shrewd rascal.
+But," he added more soberly, "the affair will be awkward for monsieur."
+
+"Why, yes; it will not be altogether pleasant," I replied, "but the
+Spaniards will soon release me."
+
+Mounting our horses, we rode off, and by early evening had reached the
+neighbourhood of the Spanish camp.
+
+"Monsieur will soon have his wish," whispered Pillot, as we proceeded
+through a small hamlet.  "See, the road yonder is blocked by a body of
+horsemen.  Does monsieur intend to show fight?"
+
+"Why, no; yet I must not be caught too easily, or I shall arouse
+suspicion.  Let us ride on carelessly, and turn when it is just too
+late."
+
+"Monsieur may get a bullet," suggested Pillot, but I told him I must
+chance that, though he was, on no account, to risk his own life.
+
+Accordingly we proceeded along the road toward the Spanish outpost,
+when suddenly a gruff voice roared some words in a foreign tongue.  I
+have often laughed since at the remembrance of Pillot's face at this
+time.  The fellow was a born actor and might have made a fortune on the
+stage.  Now, his eyes rolled in fright, he was the very picture of
+misery, and he cried in trembling accents, "Fly, monsieur, fly, or we
+are dead men!  Oh, good people, I pray you, do not hurt us.  I will
+give you five pistoles--ten even----"
+
+"Be still!" I exclaimed roughly, "what a coward you are!"
+
+Again the gruff voice sounded, and just as I turned my horse's head, a
+dozen men, or more, came rushing up, while some one shouted in bad
+French, "Halt, or we fire!"
+
+Pillot gave a scream of fright and jumped down, while I galloped off.
+The ride was not a long one, however, for my horse had scarcely got
+into his stride when a bullet struck him and he rolled over, pinning my
+leg to the ground.  In an instant the soldiers were around me, and
+Pillot was crying fearfully, "Do not kill him, good people.  He is a
+high officer and a friend of the King's.  He is on an errand for His
+Majesty now.  Oh, I will give you five, ten pistoles, and----"
+
+"Cease that noise and answer my questions," exclaimed some one in
+French.  "Who is your master, and where is he going?"
+
+I did not hear Pillot's reply.  My leg had been released, but the pain
+caused me to faint, and several days passed before I was able to
+understand what had happened.  Then I found myself in a bed in a small
+chamber, with Pillot waiting upon me.  He would not talk much at first,
+but after a time he recounted in high glee how the soldiers had
+discovered Mazarin's note, and how the Spanish general had almost
+immediately broken up the camp and withdrawn the greater part of his
+troops.
+
+"And where are we now?" I asked.
+
+"In Compiegne, monsieur.  The surgeon says you will not be fit for the
+field for months, but in a fortnight or so I am going to take you in a
+carriage to Paris," and his face beamed with delight.
+
+"I wonder if the Cardinal knows what happened?"
+
+"Yes, monsieur.  I sent him word by a trusty courier.  Monsieur should
+be made a nobleman."
+
+I did not wish that, but I was gratified when, on the very day before
+setting out for Paris, a special courier brought me this note, written
+by the Cardinal himself:
+
+"Well done, De Lalande!  Get well soon.  Your services will not be
+forgotten."
+
+My leg was still painful, and I could not use it at all, but Pillot had
+hired a roomy carriage, and fitted it up with soft cushions.  Indeed,
+his thoughtfulness was remarkable, and he treated me with as much care
+as if I had been a child.  We did the journey by easy stages, and I at
+length found myself back in my old rooms.
+
+The surgeon whom Pillot now called in gave me small hope of a speedy
+recovery, and as a matter of fact I did not leave the house till the
+beginning of the new year.  Before that time, however, many changes
+occurred.  Conde marched south with his troops and the Court returned
+to Paris.  This was a pleasant change, as John Humphreys was once more
+at the Louvre, and hardly a day passed without his spending an hour or
+so with me.
+
+Naturally, he brought all the news; so that I could easily follow the
+course of events.  Day by day the Royal power increased; the people
+were becoming fond of their youthful monarch, and Turenne was more than
+holding his own against the rebels.
+
+"Faith!" exclaimed Humphreys, one evening towards the close of the
+year, "it looks as if that Cardinal of yours were going to win, after
+all.  He is back in France with an army, and is hurrying to meet the
+Marshal!"
+
+"He will be in Paris before long," said I laughing, "and then we shall
+see a sight."
+
+Every day now brought news of some fresh success, and much of the glory
+fell to the share of Mazarin.  People began to talk of him as a great
+general, and to compare him, as a soldier, with Conde and Turenne.
+This was, of course, very absurd, but the talk increased the Cardinal's
+popularity.
+
+At the beginning of the new year, 1653, my leg was so much stronger
+that I was able to go out, and every day I walked a little distance in
+the streets, accompanied by Pillot.  I could not ride as yet, but even
+that I was able to manage by the time Mazarin returned to Paris.
+
+Yes, the great struggle was over, and, as I had foreseen in the
+beginning, the _Frondeurs_ had been smitten hip and thigh.  Conde,
+overshadowed by the genius of Turenne, was a fugitive; Gaston of
+Orleans, who ever blew hot and cold in one breath, had left the capital
+in disgrace; the parliament men had been brought to their knees; and
+that sturdy rogue, De Retz, having lost all his power, was openly
+arrested and imprisoned at Vincennes.
+
+But the crowning triumph was the return, on 2nd February, of my early
+patron to the city which had hounded him out with hoots and jeers and
+savage threats of death.  The streets were gaily decorated, and the
+citizens, apparently all of one mind, held high holiday in favour of
+the recalled exile.
+
+I listened in vain for the ribald songs, the biting jests, the terrible
+threats and vows of vengeance; in their stead I heard praises of the
+Queen-Mother; openly expressed admiration of the youthful monarch, who
+has, since then, advanced his country to the highest pinnacle of fame;
+and words of good-will towards the wily Italian, who, whatever his
+defects, had toiled hard and successfully for France.
+
+"The people are like dolls that jump when the showman pulls the
+strings," remarked Pillot, as we made our way through the throng.
+
+But if the common people bawled themselves hoarse in welcoming the man
+they had more than once threatened to murder, the higher classes
+tripped each other up in their eagerness to render him homage.  Louis
+himself rode in state six miles from the city to greet him, and the
+proudest nobles in the land were glad to appear in the Cardinal's
+train.  The Royal Guard was mounted at the gate in his honour, and
+thousands welcomed, with joyful shouts, the Italian priest who had
+returned to govern their country as a master.
+
+The _Black Mantles_ and the clergy, the cadets of illustrious houses,
+the inferior nobles, and those who had raised themselves within an ace
+of princely rank, nay, even princes of the blood royal, bent the knee
+to this man against whom all France had pitted itself in vain!  The
+triumph, indeed, was such as falls to the lot of few men, and it must
+be said that Mazarin bore his honours well.  Many enemies who had
+insulted or injured him were in his power, but he took no vengeance,
+bidding them live at peace and devote their talents to the advancement
+of their country.
+
+For my own part I had no cause to complain.  On the very day after his
+arrival he sent for me to attend him in his apartments at the Louvre.
+
+"Well, De Lalande," said he smiling, "so we are back in our old
+quarters!  Have you recovered from your accident?"
+
+"Yes, my Lord, I thank you."
+
+"You are not looking well; you must go away for a change!  Let me see,
+did we not have a talk once about a place called Vancey?"
+
+"That was my father's estate, my Lord."
+
+"Ah, and then it passed into the hands of Baron Maubranne?  Your
+father, if I remember rightly, offended Cardinal Richelieu?  Strange,
+that the father should anger one cardinal and the son gain the goodwill
+of another!  Now, listen to me, De Lalande.  Go home and rest, and tell
+your parents that the title-deeds of Vancey are following you."
+
+"My Lord!" I gasped.
+
+"There are those who call Mazarin a niggard," said he, still smiling,
+"but there will be at least one to hold him a good paymaster.  You have
+done your share, De Lalande, and now I will do mine.  There, go now;
+you must be anxious to see your parents.  Some day I may need your
+services again."
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+I suppose that the story of my adventures really ends with my dismissal
+from the Cardinal's room, but there are a few matters on which my
+readers may like a little further information.
+
+I need not dwell on my reception at home; of my father's pride, of my
+mother's unfeigned joy as she kissed and embraced me; nor is it
+necessary to add that the Cardinal was as good as his word, and that
+Vancey has long since been once again in the possession of the De
+Lalandes.  I may, however, say a word or two about those whose
+acquaintance I made during that stirring period of my life.
+
+Lautrec, of the gorgeous attire, followed the fortunes of Conde and was
+slain outside Bordeaux.  Young Armand d'Arcy clung to the weak Gaston
+of Orleans and left Paris with the disgraced Duke.  He was one of the
+first to congratulate me on my success, though he would never bow the
+knee to Mazarin.  John Humphreys fought his way to a high rank in the
+Queen's Guards, and might have gained even further honours, but, in
+1660, he returned to England with King Charles, and had his rich
+estates restored to him.
+
+My old friend, Roland Belloc, had deservedly gained the King's favour,
+and spent several happy years as the youthful monarch's personal
+attendant, instructing him in the art of horsemanship and in the use of
+a soldier's weapons.  Afterwards he retired on an ample pension to his
+country seat, and frequently paid a visit to Vancey, where he was
+always sure of a cordial welcome.
+
+The unlucky Peleton never left the Bastille.  Harassed by his own
+difficulties, Conde had forgotten his prisoner, who remained in his
+cell until released by a merciful death.
+
+As for Pillot, I tried hard to induce him to stay at Vancey, but he
+could not tear himself from his beloved Paris; so I set aside for him a
+sum of money on which he was able to live in comfort.
+
+Only one other matter remains to be told, and my readers will readily
+guess what it is.  As soon as the troubles were at an end, I posted
+down to Aunay, where I was received by the ladies with every mark of
+pleasure.  The old friendship was renewed, and in course of time Marie
+de Brione accompanied me to Vancey as my wife.  Madame Coutance rarely
+visited Paris again, but spent the rest of her life quietly either on
+her own estate or with her niece at Vancey.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of My Sword's My Fortune, by Herbert Hayens
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