"I did not try, your Highness! At the time of the attack I was a mile away, shut up in a room and well guarded." "You seem fond of prison," he said, and I felt that he did not believe a word of my story. "I had no choice in the matter, your Highness." Conde looked me straight in the face, and I met his gaze without flinching. "You look like an honest lad," he exclaimed grudgingly, "but the evidence against you is strong. Come, tell me everything, and I will promise you a pardon beforehand. Was it Mazarin who urged you on?" "I have not heard from the Cardinal for months, monsieur. If the plot was his work, he did not take me into his confidence. But I think, monsieur, that your enemies are nearer home." "How? No one in Paris but De Retz would plan such a deed." "The Abbe is a dangerous enemy, your Highness." "No," said Conde, looking puzzled, "it could not have been De Retz. He and his henchman, De Lalande--your cousin by the way--were with me five minutes after the pistol was fired. I wish you would trust me." "You will laugh at my suspicions, and the explanation will not benefit me." "_Ma foi!_ I have learned to consider nothing strange in this citizen squabble. Come, speak as a friend, and I promise on my honour not to repeat your words." I hardly knew what to do. I had no wish to injure either Henri or Pillot, but on the other hand, my own life was in danger, and finally I resolved to relate the story with as little mention of names as possible. Conde listened attentively, stopping me now and then to ask some searching question, and evidently considerably puzzled by the whole affair. "If this be true," said he at last, "it seems that Mazarin had nothing to do with the plot. But there is one point which still requires explanation. If you were not there, how could the mob have followed you to the house?" "They did not follow me, but were led by two of my enemies." "Who were they?" "One was Baron Maubranne dressed as a charcoal-burner, and him I killed." "Who was the other?" "M. Peleton, disguised as a mason. He kept out of my way, the coward!" "_Corbleu!_" exclaimed Conde, laughing, "that showed his discretion. Now, M. de Lalande, I am going to think over this extraordinary story. Meanwhile you must return to the Bastille. It is not exactly a pleasant residence, but it is above all things safe. True, the Governor will keep out your friends, but I will take care that he does not admit your enemies. By the way, who is this M. Beauchamp of whom you have spoken?" "An officer in the household of the Duke of Orleans." "Ah, well, I shall be visiting the Luxembourg in a day or two, and I may meet him." Summoning the officer, who had remained on guard just inside the door, he directed that I should be driven back to the Bastille without delay; and thus my night adventure ended. It was early morning when we reached the famous prison, but my gaoler received me with a cheerful smile.