des these a score
of the greater nobles of France had fallen, nor could the scarlet of
the Cardinalate shield Balue from its vengeance. If these, the great
ones of the chess-board, were beyond the pale of mercy, what hope would
there be for a simple pawn like Stephen La Mothe, if once he fell
beneath that inflexible ban? And yet to the courtier the King's
question could have but one reply.

"The justice of the King," repeated Commines; and added, without
thought of irreverence, "Let him fall into the hands of God and not of
man."

"Good!" The thin lips twitched, and deep in the dead eyes a sombre
fire glowed. It warmed his cold humour to read so plainly the thought
hidden behind the smooth words. But to a mind as fertile as the King's
that very thought was a suggestion. It would be well that this La
Mothe should clearly understand all he had to fear; and not to fear
only but also to hope. The justice of the King could raise up as well
as cast down, could reward without measure as well as crush without
mercy.

"Go to Amboise. Be myself in Amboise. If--I use your own word,
Philip--if justice must strike---- Ah! poor wretched King and yet more
wretched father!--be thou the King's justice, be thou the King's hand
in Amboise, and let this Monsieur La Mothe be your ears, your eyes.
And--um--yes, let me see this La Mothe before you leave; I am, as you
know, something of a judge of men. To-morrow will do, and the next day
you can go to Amboise."

"And my commission, sire? My authority to act on your behalf?"

"Commission?" The plaintive, gentle calm of the King's voice broke up
in storm. Leaning forward Louis tapped his finger-tips on the table
noisily. "Sift, search, find, find, there is your commission.
Authority? Um--um--when Absalom rebelled against David did Joab, the
king's servant, say, 'Where is my authority?' Rebellion is your
authority; the safety of your King is your authority; the plot against
France is your authority. For such crimes there is none above justice,
Monsieur d'Argenton, none--none. But justice is like truth, and
sometimes dwells in shadow. Do you understand? Justice, but no
scandal. We must be circumspect. There must be no shock to public
thought in France. It is the curse and fate of kings to be misjudged.
Justice might well come by way of accident. And--let me see! This La
Mothe! He owes you everything and you say he can be trusted?"

"Yes, sire, but I have been thi