ning that
in a few days we were going to La Rochelle; nor did I give my own
servants any different information.

It was a glorious summer morning when we set forth: the sun shone
brightly in a blue sky thinly flaked with snowy clouds; the birds
carolled joyously; the green leaves, made brilliant by the sunlight,
danced in the gentle breeze; a fresh, sweet smell rose from the fragrant
earth.

Many a long day had passed since my heart had felt so light, and as we
cantered into the highroad I hummed a gay refrain. I felt as if this was
bound to prove the most successful of our ventures.

I had real hope as a foundation on which to rear my airy castle. The war
of Religion was over and done with; Huguenot and Catholic would stand
shoulder to shoulder against the common foe; Monseigneur, the Guises,
and all those who were striving for their own interests to embroil the
country in civil strife would have to stand aside; France would at
length be united, and therefore strong.

My own private fortunes also wore a rosy tint that morning. Even if the
king did not restore my estates at the outset, he would certainly not
refuse to do so after I had fought his battles, and perhaps helped to
gain his victories! No, I had not a single fear when I turned to take a
last lingering view of the castle of Le Blanc.

As a matter of precaution we rode a few miles in the direction of La
Rochelle, but neither Jacques nor I expected that any further attempt
would be made upon us in that part of the country. Cordel was most
probably in Paris, and could have no knowledge of our sudden departure
from Le Blanc. In fact we reached Paris without any mishap, save the
casting of a horse's shoe, and the loss of a few hours one night when we
went astray in the darkness.

We entered Paris a little before the gate was closed for the night. It
was still very light, and the streets were filled with people, very few
of whom, however, took much notice of us. The capital was utterly
strange to me, and I knew nothing of Coligny's residence, except that it
was situated in the Rue de l'Arbre Sec. Overtaking an officer of the
king's guards I asked to be directed to that street, and he very
courteously undertook to conduct me part of the way.

"You are a stranger in Paris?" said he, looking critically at me and my
servant.

"Yes, I have but now arrived from the south, to meet a friend who lives
in the Rue de l'Arbre Sec."

"I should fancy," exclaimed the o