"Because I imagined the report had been spread about to deceive Conde." "No," he replied, showing no offence at my remark, "I would it were so, but M. Beauchamp's sword bit deeply. Pillot should have informed you, but he has had much to do. He has taken his master's body home for burial. I feel his loss greatly. Your cousin was an admirable man, and I shall never find his equal. But what of yourself? Have you taken service with Conde?" "No, monsieur, I still fight for the Throne." "And for Albert de Lalande! Well, well, as long as you steer clear of me I wish you no harm." "Monsieur is pleased to be gracious," I returned with a mocking bow. "I am indeed grateful." The little rogue's eyes twinkled brightly, and he went away laughing. So Henri was really dead and laid to rest in the family vault! I could no longer question the truth of the rumour after seeing the Abbe's face when he met me. It was certain that he, at least, believed my cousin was dead and buried. Even Raoul could not shake me on this point, though he rather scoffed at the story. "It is a trick to deceive Conde," he said. "If Henri is dead, where is Pillot?" "He has taken the body home." "Chut! The tale is a pack of lies. The Abbe is keeping your cousin in hiding till Conde has lost his power. Have you heard that he is going to accuse the prince of high treason?" "De Retz?" "Yes, to-morrow in open court at the Palais de Justice. There are likely to be warm doings, and it is my belief if De Retz wins your cousin Henri will soon come to life." That night I wandered about the city by myself. Raoul and Armand were with the troops in the Luxembourg; John Humphreys was at his post in the Palais Royal; the gates of both palaces were closed and barred, for no one knew what an hour would bring forth. The night passed quietly, but, as soon as the dawn broke, bands of armed men, in the pay of De Retz, moved down on the Palais de Justice, swarming into the halls and galleries and seizing the best positions. The crowd outside rapidly increased to enormous numbers, and very soon cries of "Down with Conde" were heard. About an hour after De Retz put in an appearance loud shouts announced the coming of the prince. He rode haughtily at the head of some two thousand fighting men, who marched afoot with their hands on their swords, and apparently quite ready to use them. I was standing near the gate as Conde passed, and to my surprise he beckoned me toward him. "Has your search failed?" he asked. "Yes, your Highness. According to all accounts my cousin is dead, and I am sure De Retz thinks so." "Why do you say that?" he asked quickly. "Come with me; it is important that I should have the latest news." Accordingly we walked together along the corridor, which was filled with armed men, and so into the Parliament Hall, Conde listening with deep attention to the story of my chance meeting with De Retz.