“Oh! oh! but he is a scoundrel, that Frenchman,” said Mazarin, “and the idea is not so ingenious as to prevent its author being tied up by the neck at the Place de Greve, by decree of the parliament.” “Your eminence is mistaken,” replied Athos, dryly; “I did not say that the Frenchman in question had resolved to assassinate M. Monk, but only to suppress him. The words of the French language have a value which the gentlemen of France know perfectly. Besides, this is an affair of war; and when men serve kings against their enemies they are not to be condemned by a parliament—God is their judge. This French gentleman, then, formed the idea of gaining possession of the person of Monk, and he executed his plan.” The king became animated at the recital of great actions. The king’s younger brother struck the table with his hand, exclaiming, “Ah! that is fine!” “He carried off Monk?” said the king. “Why, Monk was in his camp.” “And the gentleman was alone, sire.” “That is marvelous!” said Philip. “Marvelous, indeed!” cried the king. “Good! There are the two little lions unchained,” murmured the cardinal. And with an air of spite, which he did not dissemble: “I am unacquainted with these details, will you guarantee their authenticity, monsieur?” “All the more easily, my lord cardinal, from having seen the events.” “You have?” “Yes, monseigneur.” The king had involuntarily drawn close to the count, the Duc d’Anjou had turned sharply round, and pressed Athos on the other side. “What next? monsieur, what next?” cried they both at the same time. “Sire, M. Monk, being taken by the Frenchman, was brought to King Charles II., at the Hague. The king gave back his freedom to Monk, and the grateful general, in return, gave Charles II. the throne of Great Britain, for which so many valiant men had fought in vain.” Philip clapped his hands with enthusiasm; Louis XIV., more reflective, turned towards the Comte de la Fere. “Is this true,” said he, “in all its details?” “Absolutely true, sire.” “That one of my gentlemen knew the secret of the million, and kept it?” “Yes, sire.” “The name of that gentleman?” “It was your humble servant,” said Athos, simply, and bowing. A murmur of admiration made the heart of Athos swell with pleasure. He had reason to be proud, at least. Mazarin, himself, had raised his arms towards heaven. “Monsieur,” said the king, “I shall seek, and find means to reward you.” Athos made a movement. “Oh, not for your honesty, to be paid for that would humiliate you, but I owe you a reward for having participated in the restoration of my brother, King Charles II.” “Certainly,” said Mazarin. “It is the triumph of a good cause which fills the whole house of France with joy,” said Anne of Austria. “I continue,” said Louis XIV. “Is it also true that a single man penetrated to Monk, in his camp, and carried him off?” “That man had ten auxiliaries, taken from a very inferior rank.” “And nothing but them?” “Nothing more.”