ils 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 H