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 fro