Paris seemed much as usual. The streets were filled with noisy bands of turbulent people, but there were fewer cries of "Down with Mazarin!" the mob contenting itself with cheering for Conde and De Retz, though several times I heard the Prince's name uttered with every sign of anger and disapproval. Fortunately my former rooms were still vacant, so, having stabled my horse at the inn two doors below, I took possession, and soon had the satisfaction of sitting down to an ample supper. "Monsieur has been long away," remarked the landlord on coming to remove the things. "I have been in the country for the benefit of my health," I replied carelessly. "Affairs have changed since I was here last." "Ah, yes! The Cardinal has fled, and Conde will be master now. The stupid Fronde is done with, monsieur, and we are all brothers together." "And the Queen?" I asked curiously, "does she approve of all these changes?" "She is delighted, monsieur. There will be no rough places or crooked paths for her any more; the prince is so powerful that no one dares to attack her," and the honest fellow departed, smiling with pleasure at the prospect of peace. Early the next morning I walked across to the Palais Royal, wondering what was best to be done, when, to my lively joy, I found that Belloc still held a command there. I gave my name to the officer on duty, and was immediately admitted to the old soldier's quarters. He was sitting in his room, looking harassed and worn, which rather surprised me, because as a rule nothing troubled him. He greeted me kindly, and as we sat chatting I thought he was trying to make up his mind on some knotty point. "Were you in the city last night?" he asked presently. "Yes! The people are wild with delight at the idea of seeing Conde." Casting an anxious glance round the room, he said in a low voice, "Come nearer, Albert, I am going to reveal a secret. First of all, the Prince is still in prison, and if all goes well this evening he will stay there. You are a brave lad, and honest, and I think you can help me." "I will do my best," said I, flushing with pleasure at his praise. "The adventure is dangerous, and it worries me, not for myself but for others. If it succeeds, the Cardinal will be stronger than ever; if it fails----" and he finished with a shrug of his shoulders. "You may count on me." "Yes, I am sure of it. Well, this is what we intend to do. At present the Queen has few friends in Paris, but the country will fight for the King. Now, the plan is to smuggle them out of the city, when they will join the Cardinal, and take up arms for the freedom of the throne. Without Conde, the rest will be able to accomplish nothing." "A good plan," said I, "and the sooner it is carried out the better."