Two men in _sans-culotte_ costume were seated at a small table in the restaurant of Père Lefèvre. Both were faces hitherto unfamiliar in the tavern. One was that of a young man, and was bold, keen and daring. His older companion's was of a more common type, but was distinguished by kindly blue eyes. They leaned across the table and spoke in low whispers with their heads close together. The little room was otherwise deserted, for Père Lefèvre nodded outside in the morning sun. He had tended to the wants of his two customers with many muttered complaints about "that idle, good-for-nothing vagabond of a Jean, who was probably lying asleep somewhere!" Then he went back to his own nap. The younger man, who had spoken last, tapped his fingers on the table impatiently, and waited for his companion to reply. "I know of no one just now who would be safe," replied the other, "but wait a few days and perhaps we shall find one in time." Suddenly they were both startled to see the body of a boy wriggle noiselessly from behind an old screen and crawl toward them. He was covered with dust and cobwebs, and his eyes blazed excitedly. "Citizens," he whispered, "I know of one who will serve you right well! Trust me!" The men looked at each other in astonishment and alarm. Had their cherished plans then, been overheard by this fierce little Republican who danced the Carmagnole and sang the "Ça ira!" with such grim delight? If so, all was lost! But Jean hastened to reassure them: "I beg you to trust me, citizen friends! It is true I am not a royalist, but we love the little fellow and his good mother. Once she gave us heaven-sent help, and we have sworn to aid her if we could. For this I took service in the tavern. For this I have listened to every word of conversation that men carry on here in low tones, when Père Lefèvre thinks I am asleep. For this opportunity I have prayed,--oh, long, long months! Trust me, gentlemen!" The boy's words and looks were so earnest and sincere that the two men felt certain that he could be trusted with their secret, and must be, since he had discovered so much. The younger one took him by the shoulder: "Swear by God and the late martyred King that you will be faithful!" he commanded. And Jean vowed to be faithful. "Now," said the man, "how do you think you can help us, since you have discovered so much?" "Mère Clouet, with whom I live," declared Jean, "will joyfully open her house to the royal ones, and shelter them safely. She has the reputation for being one of the stanchest _sans-culottes_ in the Rue de Lille, and none would ever suspect her!" "It is the very thing!" exclaimed the two men. "It is a godsend!" Then in whispers they elaborated to Jean all the details of the plan for the escape of the Queen, her sister and the two children from the Tower. This is the plot that the boy had discovered, and in which he was to take so important a part.