"Not," he exclaimed, "that we require your confession; these proofs are too clear," and, noticing my start of surprise, added coolly, "listen, and then say if I am not right." Turning the papers slowly over one by one he read the heads of a mass of evidence which his agents had collected, evidence so clear and convincing that, on hearing it, I almost believed myself guilty. It began by describing me as a penniless lad, who, having come to Paris to seek my fortune, had taken service with Mazarin as a secret agent; and all my doings with the Cardinal were carefully noted down. For this I was prepared, but the next paragraph brought the blood to my face with a rush. It stated that, having discovered Madame Coutance was a friend of Conde, I had struck up an acquaintanceship with her for the purpose of worming out the secrets of his party. "That is false!" I cried hotly. "Softly, my friend, softly!" exclaimed the weazened little councillor, "we will hear your remarks at another time and in another place," and he continued calmly with his reading. The third stage showed how cleverly the conspirators had laid their plans. Numerous witnesses had met me going towards that part of the town where I was afterwards discovered in hiding, and they all affirmed that I acted as if not wishing to be recognised. This, of course, I could not deny, as many people must have noticed me when chasing the crafty Francois. "We are ready to prove these things against you, monsieur, and more also," said the councillor. "For instance, there are the names of two men who saw you take a prominent part in the attack on the carriage and afterwards run away. Now, will you confess?" "I am innocent, monsieur." "What an absurdity! Must we then put you to the question?" "It is needless, monsieur; I am speaking the truth." "You are obstinate," he exclaimed, screwing up his little eyes, "but a turn or two on the rack will alter that. Come now, will you deny that you are a spy of Mazarin's?" "Certainly, monsieur. It is true that I am in the Cardinal's service, but I have heard no word from him since he left Paris." "Are you acquainted with Madame Coutance?" "Yes, she is a friend of mine." "Good! I thought we should arrive at the truth. Now, will you explain how you came to be in the house where the soldiers found you?" "It is a strange story, monsieur, and says little for my sense, but you shall hear it," and I related how cunningly Francois had lured me into the arms of his fellow-plotters. "Pah!" exclaimed the councillor, wrinkling up his forehead, "that is a child's invention. You cannot expect us to believe such a tale." "Still it is true, monsieur." For nearly an hour longer the councillor continued putting all sorts of questions concerning Mazarin's plans, none of which I could answer. My silence made him very angry, and at last he exclaimed in a passion, "Take him away. I warrant we shall soon find a means of loosing his tongue."