t. He could not endure it, and sent Parry to ask
the sentinel to beg the workmen to strike more gently and not disturb
the last slumber of one who had been their king. The sentinel was
unwilling to leave his post, but allowed Parry to pass.

Arriving at the window Parry found an unfinished scaffold, over which
they were nailing a covering of black serge. Raised to the height of
twenty feet, so as to be on a level with the window, it had two lower
stories. Parry, odious as was this sight to him, sought for those among
some eight or ten workmen who were making the most noise; and fixed on
two men, who were loosening the last hooks of the iron balcony.

"My friends," said Parry, mounting the scaffold and standing beside
them, "would you work a little more quietly? The king wishes to get a
sleep."

One of the two, who was standing up, was of gigantic size and was
driving a pick with all his might into the wall, whilst the other,
kneeling beside him, was collecting the pieces of stone. The face of the
first was lost to Parry in the darkness; but as the second turned around
and placed his finger on his lips Parry started back in amazement.

"Very well, very well," said the workman aloud, in excellent English.
"Tell the king that if he sleeps badly to-night he will sleep better
to-morrow night."

These blunt words, so terrible if taken literally, were received by the
other workmen with a roar of laughter. But Parry withdrew, thinking he
was dreaming.

Charles was impatiently awaiting his return. At the moment he
re-entered, the sentinel who guarded the door put his head through the
opening, curious as to what the king was doing. The king was lying on
his bed, resting on his elbow. Parry closed the door and approaching the
king, his face radiant with joy:

"Sire," he said, in a low voice, "do you know who these workmen are who
are making so much noise?"

"I? No; how would you have me know?"

Parry bent his head and whispered to the king: "It is the Comte de la
Fere and his friends."

"Raising my scaffold!" cried the king, astounded.

"Yes, and at the same time making a hole in the wall."

The king clasped his hands and raised his eyes to Heaven; then leaping
down from his bed he went to the window, and pulling aside the curtain
tried to distinguish the figures outside, but in vain.

Parry was not wrong. It was Athos he had recognized, and Porthos who was
boring a hole through the wall.

This hole communicated