ring 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."

Martin, too, shared my satisfaction, especially when the Cardinal rose
as if to depart. But the play-acting was not yet finished. I was
moving towards the door when Mazarin suddenly sat down again.

"I had almost forgotten," said he softly, "and yet it is very
important. I am about to set you a difficult task, my friend! no one
else could do it, but then you are so wonderfully clever. Sit down and
write a list of all those likely to have joined in this plot--men and
women--the powerful and the insignificant; do not leave out one. And
if you can make a guess what each has promised the other, put that in
also. It will be interesting to see if our guesses are alike."

Still Martin did not break down, but his voice was very unsteady as he
replied, "You over-rate my powers, my Lord, it would be impossible to
do as you wish."

"You may have some papers which will help you," said Mazarin quietly.
"Look them over, my friend, I can wait."

At that the wretched man's courage forsook him, and, realis