"Why, in that case, my friend, you will be the only one caught. We shall remain in hiding till you give the signal." "Of course," and I heaved a sigh of relief, "I had not thought of that." D'Arcy's words had shown me a way out of the difficulty. I intended, if possible, to save the Cardinal, yet I could not in honour betray the men whose secret I had discovered by such a series of strange accidents. As it was, my course seemed plain and open. I had only to see Mazarin, acquaint him with his danger, and get him into a place of safety; after that I could tell the conspirators their plans were discovered, and they would quickly disperse. Mazarin might not believe my story, but something must be left to chance. "We are getting near now," whispered D'Arcy presently; "you don't wish to draw back?" "Not in the least, why?" "Because if you do, I will take your place. If the plan fails it is the Bastille for you, and perhaps a rope with a running knot from the walls." "Pshaw! there is no danger for me, and you can take care of yourselves." At the end of a by-street, we were challenged by a low "_Qui-vive?_" when we instantly halted. "_Notre Dame!_" replied D'Arcy quietly. "Is that you, Peleton? Are we in time?" "The old fox has not come out, and a light still burns in the third window. Have you brought De Lalande?" "Here he is." "_Ma foi!_ 'tis more than I expected. But I warn our friend that if he means playing us false he will have need to look to himself." A ready answer sprang to my lips, but I checked it. D'Arcy had evidently only a passing acquaintance with my cousin, but this man might know him well; in which case the trick would be discovered. "Peleton is always suspecting some one," laughed D'Arcy, "and generally without cause." "Well, if anything goes wrong, remember I warned you!" growled the other. "Peace!" cried a third man, stepping from the shadow of a doorway. "Small wonder the Cardinal wins, when we spend our time in squabbling between ourselves. De Lalande, you are late, but now you have come, let us begin the business without more delay. Mazarin is still in the house, and our men are waiting. The horses are harnessed, and directly you give the signal the carriage will be at the door. I need not warn you to take care of yourself." "Three knocks, remember," said D'Arcy. "We will stand here in the shadow; the others are in their places, and keeping a sharp look-out." "One minute!" I whispered to him. "There is just a trifling matter I wish done. If I don't return--and that seems not unlikely--will you go straight back to La Boule d'Or? You will find a man in my room tied up and gagged; set him at liberty." D'Arcy gave a low whistle of surprise, but without asking for an explanation he promised to go. "If we succeed I can attend to him myself," I added. "Now stand back." "Don't forget," said the third man, "that if the Cardinal slips through your fingers your own neck will be in danger."