itement.

"'Tis no time for playing like children," De Pilles was saying, "I tell
you we are all doomed; this is but the first stroke. Let us strike back,
and strike hard."

"I would suggest," said his neighbour, "that we get Coligny safe to
Rochelle, and then gather all our forces."

"We cannot move the Admiral; Pare will not answer for his life if he is
moved."

"My lords," said Teligny, "I do not think it is necessary. I am
convinced that the king has no hand in this vile outrage, and that if we
trust him he will bring the murderer to justice."

"What!" sneered De Pilles, "execute his own brother! Or even the Duke
of Guise! You have more faith in Charles than I have!"

"Where are those gentlemen who helped to search the house?" asked Henry.
"Let them stand forward. Ah, my friend," catching sight of me, "I have
not forgotten your face. Now let us hear the story, and why the Duke of
Guise is suspected in the matter."

Thereupon I related all that had occurred, and at the conclusion Henry
observed gravely, "Truly there is something here for the Duke to
explain!"

"Explain, sire!" cried De Pilles scornfully, "how can he explain? Who
here doubts the Duke's guilt? Let us kill him and Anjou, I say, or they
will kill us. Put no trust in Charles. They will drag him into the
plot."

"What would you have us do?" asked Henry; "overthrow the throne?"

"Ay," answered De Pilles stoutly, "I would clear the kingdom of the
whole family."

I cannot say what further arguments were used, as De Guerchy made a sign
for us to withdraw; but presently the meeting broke up, and the
cavaliers, mounting their horses, rode away, singing psalms, and vowing
to obtain justice.

"De Pilles was right!" exclaimed Felix, as we returned to the
ante-chamber; "this means war to the knife, and the sooner our leaders
give the word the better. I am thankful that your sister has left
Paris."

"We owe that to L'Estang I wonder if he had any actual information of
what was about to happen? I have a mind to endeavour to find him this
evening; he will probably be at the Louvre."

"We will go together," said Felix, and accordingly about seven o'clock,
there being nothing for us to do, we set out.

The city was in a state of intense excitement, the streets were
thronged, and groups of men were discussing the attempt on the Admiral's
life, and praising those who had directed the plot.

"The king is too weak," they said, "this Coligny twines him r