im 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 secur