make mincemeat of
me! It is a pity you are always against him; he will take quite a
dislike to you."

"Peleton and Maubranne are more to be feared than Henri," said Raoul.
"Each of them has several scores to settle with our friend."

"And with you and D'Arcy!"

"Yes, but we possess powerful patrons; you have none. If Peleton
stabbed either of us in the back he would have to answer to the Duke of
Orleans, but who is there to champion your quarrel? Come with us to
the Luxembourg, and let us introduce you to the Duke. There is no
dishonour in taking fresh service now that Mazarin has fled."

"Still I intend to stand by the Cardinal!"

"Bravo!" cried Armand; "never desert your colours! I wish, though,
that you belonged to our side."

"You will come over to us yet," I said. "A week ago you were hand in
glove with De Retz; now you are Conde's friends. Next week----"

"That is too far off to consider," laughed Armand. "Next week? Why
there are several days before that time arrives! Your mind flies too
fast, my boy. I have yet to hear what led to such a hubbub this
evening!"

"A mere trifle," remarked Raoul; "Madame Coutance behaved foolishly.
The Abbe's mob ordered her to cry 'Down with Conde!' and she told them
they weren't fit to be his doormat."

"She has plenty of pluck!"

"It is a pity she hasn't a little more common-sense. To-night she
might have set all Paris by the ears through her want of thought.
Mazarin was right in declaring she is like a child playing with fire."

"By the way," asked Raoul, "who was the soldier fighting for us? By
his uniform he should be one of the Queen's Guards."

"He does belong to them. He is an Englishman named Humphreys, and a
right good fellow."

"A fine swordsman! It was wonderful how he cleared a space; the people
were afraid to be anywhere near him."

"I must introduce him at the first opportunity. You are sure to like
him."

"Not as an opponent," laughed Raoul; "and he doesn't seem likely to be
anything else at present. Well, we turn off here; I shall see you at
the end of the week."

"Meanwhile keep your eyes open!" D'Arcy advised, as they proceeded
towards the Luxembourg, while I, crossing the Pont Neuf, turned down by
the Quai.

I had at the time a great deal to think of. Being young and strong, I
cared little for the threatened danger, but my stock of money was
running low, and I foresaw that, unless something unexpected happened,
I should