nd imprisoned in shafts like those of
David's ark, did not advance rapidly. But as he was growing too proud,
something peculiarly annoying to him came to temper it down; he heard
the king pronounce the name of Ernanton, and not once, but two or three
times. St. Maline strained his attention to hear more, but some noise or
movement always prevented him. Either the king uttered some exclamation
of regret at an unlucky cut of the scissors, or one of the dogs began to
bark. So that between Paris and Vincennes, the name of Ernanton had been
pronounced six times by the king, and four times by D'Epernon, without
St. Maline's knowing the reason. He persuaded himself that the king was
merely inquiring the cause of Ernanton's disappearance, and that
D'Epernon was explaining it. At last they arrived at Vincennes, and as
the king had still three sins to cut out, he went at once to his own
room to finish them. It was a bitterly cold day, therefore St. Maline
sat down in a chimney corner to warm himself, and was nearly falling
asleep, when De Loignac put his hand on his shoulder.

"You must work to-day," said he; "you shall sleep some other day; so get
up, M. de St. Maline."

"I will not sleep for a fortnight, if necessary, monsieur."

"Oh! we shall not be so exacting as that."--"What must I do, monsieur?"

"Get on your horse and return to Paris."

"I am ready; my horse is standing saddled."

"Good; go then straight to the room of the Forty-five, and awaken every
one; but excepting three, whom I will name to you, no one must know
where he is going, nor what he is about to do."

"I will obey these instructions implicitly."

"Here then are some more; leave fourteen of these gentlemen at the Porte
St. Antoine, fifteen others half way, and bring the rest here."

"Yes, monsieur; but at what hour must we leave Paris?"

"When night falls."

"On horseback or on foot?"

"On horseback."

"Armed?"

"Fully; with daggers, pistols, and swords."

"With armor?"

"Yes."

"What else?"

"Here are three letters; one for M. de Chalabre, one for M. de Biron,
and one for yourself. M. de Chalabre will command the first party, M. de
Biron the second, and yourself the third."

"Good, monsieur."

"These letters are only to be opened at six o'clock. M. de Chalabre will
open his at the Porte St. Antoine, M. de Biron his at the Croix Faubin,
and you yours on your return."

"Must we come quickly?"

"As quickly as possible, without cre