Two of them were posted at the back entrance, two at the front, with orders to let no one issue out. Then with his dagger he opened the shutters of one of the windows and, followed by the other six men, entered. The door was soon found and, opening it, they found themselves in a hall where a hanging light was burning. Several servants were asleep on the floor. These started up, with exclamations of alarm, at seeing seven men with drawn swords. "Silence!" Philip said sternly, "or this will be your last moment. "Roger and Jules, do you take each one of these lackeys by the collar. That is right. Now, put your pistols to their heads. "Now, my men, lead us at once to your master's chamber. "Eustace, light one of these torches on the wall at the lamp, and bring it along with you. "Henri, do you also come with us. "The rest of you stay here, and guard these lackeys. Make them sit down. If any of them move, run him through without hesitation." At this moment an angry voice was heard shouting above. "What is all this disturbance about! If I hear another sound, I will discharge you all in the morning." Philip gave a loud and derisive laugh, which had the effect he had anticipated for, directly afterwards, a man in a loose dressing gown ran into the hall. "What does this mean, you rascals?" he shouted angrily, as he entered. Then he stopped, petrified with astonishment. [Illustration: If you move a step, you are a dead man.] "It means this," Philip said, levelling a pistol at him, "that if you move a step, you are a dead man." "You must be mad," the president gasped. "Do you know who I am?" "Perfectly, sir. You are president of the infamous parliament of Toulouse. I am a Huguenot officer, and you are my prisoner. You need not look so indignant; better men than you have been dragged from their homes, to prison and death, by your orders. Now it is your turn to be a prisoner. "I might, if I chose, set fire to this chateau, and cut the throats of all in it; but we do not murder in the name of God. We leave that to you. "Take this man away with you, Eustace. I give him into your charge. If he struggles, or offers the least resistance, stab him to the heart." "You will at least give me time to dress, sir?" the president said. "Not a moment," Philip replied. "The night is warm, and you will do very well, as you are. "As for you," he went on, turning to the servants, "you will remain quiet until morning; and if any of you dare to leave the house, you will be slain without mercy. You can assure your mistress that she will not be long without the society of your master; for in all probability he will be returned, safe and sound, before midday tomorrow. One of you may fetch your master's cloak, since he seems to fear the night air."