ou and he were not the
best of friends, monsieur, but there are many worse men in Paris than
the one who has just died."

"I am sure of it," said I somewhat absently, for my thoughts had turned
to the previous night's rioting.

"The King is dead; live the King!" What a world of meaning lies in
those simple words! I was really sorry for my cousin's death, but
there was no leisure to indulge in grief; the living were in need of my
assistance.

Paris was up in arms! The mob had already broken loose, and, unless
the ruffians were quickly checked, no one could foretell how the tumult
might end. As yet only a house or two had been plundered, but within
twenty-four hours Paris might be reduced to ashes. I thought of Marie
and her aunt, and determined by some means to get them from the city.
It seemed pitiful to leave my cousin lying dead there, but I could do
him no good, and Pillot would carry his message to De Retz.

"Pillot," I exclaimed, "I must leave you to attend to your master's
burial. The Abbe will not refuse his last request. I would stay, but
it is necessary for me to attend the ladies in the Rue Crillon. If the
mob rises there may be danger."

"You are right, monsieur! Paris is no place for them at present. Take
them out of it as quickly as possible. As to your cousin, I will see
that he has proper burial; I will go to De Retz at once."

"What will you do afterwards? You will not care to serve the Abbe
again?"

"Ah, no! I would wring his neck with pleasure, monsieur!"

"I do not wish that. Come, let me make you an offer. I am not rich
like my cousin, but if you will take service with me, I will arrange
that you are properly paid."

"After all that has passed? Monsieur is exceedingly trustful."

"Because I am aware how loyal you have been to M. de Lalande."

"Very well, monsieur; let it be so. You will find that I shall serve
you faithfully."

"I am sure of that. Now listen. As soon as my cousin is buried, start
for Aunay--you know the road. If you do not find me there I shall have
gone to join the Cardinal and you can follow. Here is some money; you
will need it before we meet again."

As soon as these matters were arranged we went out, and Pillot
carefully secured the door. The morning had broken cold and gray, a
drizzling rain fell, the streets were deserted; the night-owls, wearied
by their exertions, had returned to their roosts.

"There is still time to see Raoul," I mut