be stranded before long for want of funds.

Thus far, I thought bitterly, my search for fortune had not met with
much success. Twice I had been within an ace of death, and my body
still bore the marks of several wounds. Mazarin, to whose service I
was pledged, had been banished, and I could find another patron only
among his enemies. Completely wrapped up in these thoughts, I wandered
along the dirty quay, and turning mechanically in the proper direction,
reached the Rue des Catonnes.

The next day I increased my stock of ready money by the sale of my
horse, which enabled me to carry on again for a time, and I hoped that
before the supply was exhausted a fresh turn of fortune's wheel would
relieve my difficulties. Raoul, of course, would have lent me his
purse freely, but that I did not wish.

During the evening my English friend came across from the Palais Royal
for a chat about the adventure of the previous night. Like Raoul, he
blamed Madame Coutance for her stupid behaviour, speaking his mind
freely, and not stopping to choose his words.

"Did you return with your comrades?" I asked.

"Yes, and a lucky thing too, or I should have got into worse trouble.
As it was, our captain reproved me severely for engaging in a street
brawl. Upon my word I think my brain must be softening."

"What is the matter?"

"Matter?" he cried, banging his fist on the table. "Why, it takes a
man all his time to find out where he stands in this topsy-turvy city.
Just tell me what this commotion is about, will you? It may be easy
enough for a Frenchman to understand, but for me--it makes my head
swim."

He listened attentively while I explained the situation, asking a
question here and there, and turning the answers over in his mind.

"Oh," he observed at the end, "the affair is simple enough after all.
The Queen has only to clap Orleans, Conde, and De Retz into the
Bastille, and the trick is done. If their friends grumbled, why they
could go too, and fight out their quarrels in prison. What is the use
of being a Queen if you don't rule?"

"Your plan is excellent, but it would bring about civil war, and we
don't want that."

"But you have it now!" he objected quickly. "What else was the visit
of the mob to the Palace the other night? And this Conde--he issues
his orders like a king, though according to you he is only a subject.
I would have no such subjects in my country."

"The trouble must be over soon. The King