rstand, made no resistance; in fact,
he was so astonished at what had happened to him that he stammered and
reeled like a drunken man; D'Artagnan deposited his clothes under the
arm of one of the valets.

"And now, Monsieur du Verger," he said, "shut yourself up with this
man until Monsieur Bernouin returns to open the door. The duty will be
tolerably long and not very amusing, I know; but," added he, seriously,
"you understand, it is on the king's service."

"At your command, lieutenant," replied the musketeer, who saw the
business was a serious one.

"By-the-bye," continued D'Artagnan, "should this man attempt to fly or
to call out, pass your sword through his body."

The musketeer signified by a nod that these commands should be obeyed
to the letter, and D'Artagnan went out, followed by Bernouin. Midnight
struck.

"Lead me into the queen's oratory," said D'Artagnan, "announce to her I
am here, and put this parcel, with a well-loaded musket, under the seat
of the carriage which is waiting at the foot of the private stair."

Bernouin conducted D'Artagnan to the oratory, where he sat down
pensively. Everything had gone on as usual at the Palais Royal. As we
said before, by ten o'clock almost all the guests had dispersed; those
who were to fly with the court had the word of command and they were
each severally desired to be from twelve o'clock to one at Cours la
Reine.

At ten o'clock Anne of Austria had entered the king's room. Monsieur had
just retired, and the youthful Louis, remaining the last, was amusing
himself by placing some lead soldiers in a line of battle, a game which
delighted him much. Two royal pages were playing with him.

"Laporte," said the queen, "it is time for his majesty to go to bed."

The king asked to remain up, having, he said, no wish to sleep; but the
queen was firm.

"Are you not going to-morrow morning at six o'clock, Louis, to bathe at
Conflans? I think you wished to do so of your own accord?"

"You are right, madame," said the king, "and I am ready to retire to my
room when you have kissed me. Laporte, give the light to Monsieur the
Chevalier de Coislin."

The queen touched with her lips the white, smooth brow the royal child
presented to her with a gravity which already partook of etiquette.

"Go to sleep soon, Louis," said the queen, "for you must be awakened
very early."

"I will do my best to obey you, madame," said the youthful king, "but I
have no inclination to sl