He purposely made a long pause between the last two words, during which Martin sat like a man waiting to be hanged; then he recovered himself and actually smiled. "Something has happened without my knowledge," said he briskly. "Without your knowledge, truly, my dear Martin, or you would have sent me word. As it is, I have to inform you that Paris has had a distinguished visitor." Martin went deathly pale again and murmured, "Surely it cannot be----" "Oh, no," interrupted Mazarin, smiling, "the Prince still occupies his prison at Havre. But La Rochefoucauld is here to represent him. If you go into the city you will hear the people crying for the release of Conde. They are not aware how comfortable he is. But you will not go!" "Why not, my lord?" "Because I have need of you. We must put our heads together, and unravel the mysteries of this plot. The matter is serious; all my enemies seem to be in league. Come now, do you fancy De Retz has been bought?" I really felt sorry for the poor wretch with whom the Cardinal thus played as a cat plays with a mouse. "De Retz?" he stammered. "I should think it very likely; the others could accomplish nothing without him, because he controls the mob." "It is very unfortunate. You are aware he wishes to become a Cardinal, and now he will lose his chance. The red hat would have suited him well, but I must give it to Riviere, the bosom friend of Orleans. But perhaps even the Duke has been gained? What do you think, my dear Martin?" and the purring cat suddenly became a hissing serpent. The unhappy astrologer bent his head. "They must have secured him," he gasped like a man choking. "They would not dare to move without his support." "And the king of the markets?" asked Mazarin, who thus scornfully referred to the Duke of Beaufort. "He has powerful friends. His help would be valuable if there really is a conspiracy." Leaning back in his chair, Mazarin stroked his beard thoughtfully. Presently he began to purr, a sure sign that he had regained his composure. "This union (which he pronounced _onion_) of parties is very touching," said he, "yet in the interests of His Majesty it must be broken up," and he looked so fixedly at Martin that the latter was compelled to meet his gaze. "How say you?" he continued, "would that little monkey of a priest rise to the bait of a Cardinal's hat?" "It is probable, my Lord! That is, if the hat were a real one," at which Mazarin laughed loudly. "_Per Baccho!_" exclaimed he, "we would not attempt to deceive so skilful a plotter. Then that is settled! A cardinal's hat for De Retz, and you shall make him our offer. But he must accept quickly; in twenty-four hours it will be too late. I am sorry to drag you from your sick bed, but the King's interests are above all." "Come," thought I, "it promises to turn out not so badly. Mazarin must be a good fellow in the main, to let the astrologer off so lightly."