“One moment!” said the marechal, detaining him by a smile. “Is it true that you are willing to enter the king’s army?” “I am more than willing, I desire it with all my heart,” exclaimed Cavalier, with the frank enthusiasm natural to his age, “but I cannot do so till our just demands are granted.” “But if they were granted—?” “Then, sir,” replied Cavalier, “the king has never had more loyal subjects than we shall be.” “Well, have a little patience and everything will be arranged, I hope.” “May God grant it!” said Cavalier. “He is my witness that we desire peace beyond everything.” And he took another step backwards. “You will not go too far away, I hope,” said the marechal. “We shall remain wherever your excellency may appoint,” said Cavalier. “Very well,” continued M. de Villars; “halt at Calvisson, and try all you can to induce the other leaders to follow your example.” “I shall do my best, monseigneur; but while we await His Majesty’s reply shall we be allowed to fulfil our religious duties unimpeded?” “Yes, I shall give orders that you are to have full liberty in that respect.” “Thanks, monseigneur.” Cavalier bowed once more, and was about to go; but M. de Villars accompanied him and Lalande, who had now joined them, and who stood with his hand on Cavalier’s shoulder, a few steps farther. Catinat seeing that the conference was at an end, entered the garden with his men. Thereupon M. de Villars took leave, saying distinctly, “Adieu, Seigneur Cavalier,” and withdrew, leaving the young chief surrounded by a dozen persons all wanting to speak to him at once. For half an hour he was detained by questions, to all of which he replied pleasantly. On one finger was an emerald taken from a naval officer named Didier, whom he had killed with his own hand in the action at Devois de Martignargues; he kept time by a superb watch which had belonged to M. d’Acqueville, the second in command of the marines; and he offered his questioners from time to time perfumed snuff from a magnificent snuffbox, which he had found in the holsters when he took possession of M. de La Jonquiere’s horse. He told everyone who wished to listen that he had never intended to revolt against the king; and that he was now ready to shed the last drop of his blood in his service; that he had several times offered to surrender on condition that liberty of conscience was granted to those of the new faith, but that M. de Montrevel had always rejected his offers, so that he had been obliged to remain under arms, in order to deliver those who were in prison, and to gain permission for those who were free to worship God in their own way.