neasy on that score. I was
always practising with my sword as a boy. Since I have been in the army
I have spent a good deal of my time, when in winter quarters, in such
practice with my own officers, and with any maitres d'armes in the towns
where I have been, and while in Italy had the opportunity of learning
much, for there are fine fencers there."

"So be it, then," Mazarin said. "But if matters go to extremes, remember
that I consider myself responsible for you. I believe that you saved my
life, and although there are many things that men say against me, none
have ever charged me with ingratitude. If I can protect you in no other
way I shall have you arrested, sent to the frontier, that is to say, to
the sea frontier, and put on board ship and sent to England or Scotland,
as you choose, with a chest containing a sum that will suffice to
purchase any estate you may choose there.

"I am in earnest," he went on as Hector was about to answer. "It is
for my own sake as much as yours; when my friends are attacked I am
attacked, and I am doubly bound in your case. It needs but a stroke of
my pen to make you a duke and lord of half a province; and if I cannot
do that here, because you would still be within reach of your enemies, I
can, as far as the estates go, do it for you abroad. Do not fail to let
me know each day if anything new takes place."

Hector felt that there was no more to say, and bowing, left the
cardinal's presence and went out. Paolo and Macpherson were waiting
outside.

"The cardinal's messenger, who brought the news last night that you
would not return, master," the former said when he saw by Hector's look
of surprise that he had not expected to see him there, "said also that
I and one of your men had best be here at eight this morning and wait
until you came out."

"I did not know that he had sent such a message, Paolo, but I will when
we get to the hotel tell you why he sent it."

The street was somewhat crowded, and Hector had gone but a short
distance when he saw three gentlemen, who he knew to be intimates of
the Duke of Beaufort, coming in the other direction. One of them was
Monsieur de Beauvais, who said in a loud tone to his companions just as
Hector was passing:

"That is the Scotchman whom the cardinal employs to do his dirty
business."

Hector faced round at once. "At any rate, Monsieur de Beauvais, the
Scotchman in question is not employed by the cardinal as an assassin,
which is a