Comte Lerac de la Mole was holding his by the bridle."

"Is this true, gentlemen?" said the King.

"Yes, sire," replied the lieutenant; "on seeing us Monsieur de Coconnas
even dismounted."

Coconnas smiled in a way which signified, "You see, sire!"

"But the other horses, the mules, and the boxes with which they were
laden?" asked Francois.

"Well," said Coconnas, "are we stable boys? Send for the groom who had
charge of them."

"He is not here," exclaimed the duke, furious.

"Then he must have become frightened and run away," said Coconnas; "one
cannot expect a clown to have the manners of a gentleman."

"Always the same system," said D'Alencon, gnashing his teeth.
"Fortunately, sire, I told you that for some time these gentlemen have
not been in my service."

"I!" exclaimed Coconnas, "am I unfortunate enough no longer to belong to
your highness?"

"By Heaven! monsieur, you ought to know that better than any one, since
you yourself gave me your dismissal, in a letter so impertinent that,
thank God, I kept it, and fortunately have it with me."

"Oh!" exclaimed Coconnas, "I had hoped that your highness would forgive
me for a letter written under the first impulse of anger. I had been
told that your highness had tried to strangle my friend La Mole in one
of the corridors of the Louvre."

"What is he saying?" interrupted the King.

"At first I thought your highness was alone," continued Coconnas,
ingenuously, "but afterwards I learned that three others"--

"Silence!" exclaimed Charles; "we have heard enough. Henry," said he to
the King of Navarre, "your word not to try to escape."

"I give it to your Majesty, sire."

"Return to Paris with Monsieur de Nancey, and remain in your chamber
under arrest. You, gentlemen," continued he, addressing the two friends,
"give up your swords."

La Mole looked at Marguerite. She smiled. La Mole at once handed his
sword to the nearest officer. Coconnas did the same.

"Has Monsieur de Mouy been found?" asked the King.

"No, sire," said Monsieur de Nancey; "either he was not in the forest or
he escaped."

"So much the worse," said the King; "but let us return. I am cold and
dizzy."

"Sire, it is from anger, probably," said Francois.

"Possibly; but my eyes trouble me. Where are the prisoners? I cannot see
them. Is it night already? Oh! mercy! I am burning up! Help! Help!"

The unfortunate King dropped the bridle of his horse, stretched out his
arms, and fell bac