"Very likely. He believes in the stars and their influence."

"Now, for me, I put more faith in a sharp sword," said D'Arcy,
laughing, "but everyone to his taste. Steady, now, some of our fellows
ought to be posted here."

"Suppose," I asked, suddenly coming to a halt, "that instead of
trapping Mazarin, we are walking into a trap ourselves?"

"Why, in that case, my friend, you will be the only one caught. We
shall remain in hiding till you give the signal."

"Of course," and I heaved a sigh of relief, "I had not thought of that."

D'Arcy's words had shown me a way out of the difficulty. I intended,
if possible, to save the Cardinal, yet I could not in honour betray the
men whose secret I had discovered by such a series of strange accidents.

As it was, my course seemed plain and open. I had only to see Mazarin,
acquaint him with his danger, and get him into a place of safety; after
that I could tell the conspirators their plans were discovered, and
they would quickly disperse. Mazarin might not believe my story, but
something must be left to chance.

"We are getting near now," whispered D'Arcy presently; "you don't wish
to draw back?"

"Not in the least, why?"

"Because if you do, I will take your place. If the plan fails it is
the Bastille for you, and perhaps a rope with a running knot from the
walls."

"Pshaw! there is no danger for me, and you can take care of yourselves."

At the end of a by-street, we were challenged by a low "_Qui-vive?_"
when we instantly halted.

"_Notre Dame!_" replied D'Arcy quietly. "Is that you, Peleton? Are we
in time?"

"The old fox has not come out, and a light still burns in the third
window. Have you brought De Lalande?"

"Here he is."

"_Ma foi!_ 'tis more than I expected. But I warn our friend that if he
means playing us false he will have need to look to himself."

A ready answer sprang to my lips, but I checked it. D'Arcy had
evidently only a passing acquaintance with my cousin, but this man
might know him well; in which case the trick would be discovered.

"Peleton is always suspecting some one," laughed D'Arcy, "and generally
without cause."

"Well, if anything goes wrong, remember I warned you!" growled the
other.

"Peace!" cried a third man, stepping from the shadow of a doorway.
"Small wonder the Cardinal wins, when we spend our time in squabbling
between ourselves. De Lalande, you are late, but now you have come,
let us begin the busi