eave the business alone."

"I will undertake it, old friend, but you must supply me with a
coachman's dress."

"That can be obtained easily; there are plenty for sale in the city,
and I will send a trusty fellow to buy one which will fit you."

He left the room, hinting it would be better that I should not show
myself, and leaving me in a high state of excitement to ponder over the
coming venture. It was a risky one, but I was young and hot-headed,
and did not fully realise the danger.

The old soldier returned about noon, bringing my fresh clothes with
him, and I put them on. Then he browned my face and hands with some
colouring matter, and I was transformed into a very fair specimen of a
coachman.

"_Parbleu!_" cried he, rubbing his hands, "you will do famously. Now I
will take you to the stables; choose your horses; have them ready, and
bring them round to Mazarin's private entrance at six o'clock
precisely. You have your pistols? Right. I don't know about your
sword, but perhaps it will be useful. I will have it placed on the
seat of the coach. First of all, though, you must have something to
eat, and I will serve you myself; it is doubtful which of the servants
can be trusted."

During the meal he repeated his instructions, and it was plain that the
terrible responsibility had made him extremely anxious.

"Mind," said he, as we rose at length to leave the room, "from this
moment your life is no longer your own. You must sacrifice it, if need
be, for the Queen."

"I am willing to do that, monsieur, though I hope there will be no
occasion."

Passing along the corridor, and descending a flight of steps, we
reached a part of the palace which I had not visited before, and were
met by M. Corveau, who was really in command of the stables, though
most of the fees went to a much more distinguished person.

M. Belloc introduced us to each other, and with a last whispered word
of advice returned to his duties. I accompanied my new acquaintance to
the stables, and after some delay chose two animals for the work in
hand.

"You evidently know something of horseflesh," said Corveau, smiling,
"but these are rather difficult to drive; they are too spirited."

"They will make it the more awkward for any one who happens to get in
their way."

"True; but are you strong enough in the wrists to hold them?"

"I believe I can manage it."

"Well," he said, "I wish you good luck," but his tone clearly showed
t