ller whom chance
should deliver into their hands.

Pillot saw to his pistols and I loosened my sword, since it was
probable we should have occasion for both. One ragged, unkempt fellow
did take a shot at us from behind a tree, but, missing his aim, he
dashed into the thick wood and was lost to sight.

"_Parbleu!_ these peasants need not talk of the wickedness of Paris!"
exclaimed my companion, "when a peaceful citizen cannot travel in
safety on the king's highway."

"Starving men rarely distinguish between right and wrong, and these
people have been turned into wild beasts. Robbed and beaten as they
are, I don't wonder that they rise against those who oppress them!"

"Ah!" cried Pillot with a grin, "it is all the doing of the wicked
Cardinal, and these poor people perhaps recognise monsieur as his
friend."

"I wonder you are not afraid to ride with me," said I, laughing at his
impudence.

After this trifling adventure we rode warily, keeping a sharp look-out
for any further ambush, but perhaps our display of weapons frightened
the robbers, as no one interfered with us again until we arrived at the
gate of St. Denis just before it closed for the night. Here I parted
with Pillot, who had to make his report to my cousin Henri.

"Till our next merry meeting, monsieur!" cried he heartily. "By that
time I hope we shall both be on the same side. Mazarin is gone for
good, and you cannot do better than join us--we play the winning game."

The rascal bowed low and rode off, while I turned towards the city.

CHAPTER XI.

A Scheme that Went Amiss

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