Meanwhile the loiterers increased in numbers as the minutes passed. Men
of better standing rode up, and, leaving their horses in charge of their
lackeys, went into the Chateau. Officers in shining corslets, or with
boots and scabbards dulled with dust, arrived and clattered in through
the gates. A messenger galloped up with letters, and was instantly
surrounded by a curious throng of questioners; who left him only to
gather about the next comers, a knot of townsfolk, whose downcast
visages and glances of apprehension seemed to betoken no pleasant or
easy mission.

Watching many of these enter and disappear, while only the humbler
sort remained to swell the crowd at the gate, I began to experience the
discomfort and impatience which are the lot of the man who finds himself
placed in a false position. I foresaw with clearness the injury I was
about to do my cause by presenting myself to the king among the common
herd; and yet I had no choice save to do this, for I dared not run the
risk of entering, lest I should be required to give my name, and fail to
see the King of Navarre at all.

As it was I came very near to being foiled in this way; for I presently
recognised, and was recognised in turn, by a gentleman who rode up to
the gates and, throwing his reins to a groom, dismounted with an air
of immense gravity. This was M. Forget, the king's secretary, and the
person to whom I had on a former occasion presented a petition. He
looked at me with eyes of profound astonishment, and saluting me stiffly
from a distance, seemed in two minds whether he should pass in or
speak to me. On second thoughts, however, he came towards me, and again
saluted me with a peculiarly dry and austere aspect.

'I believe, sir, I am speaking to M. de Marsac?' he said in a low voice,
but not impolitely.

I replied in the affirmative.

'And that, I conclude, is your horse?' he continued, raising his cane,
and pointing to the Cid, which I had fastened to a hook in the wall.

I replied again in the affirmative.

'Then take a word of advice,' he answered, screwing up his features, and
speaking in a dry sort of way. 'Get upon its back without an instant's
delay, and put as many leagues between yourself and Meudon as horse and
man may.'

'I am obliged to you,' I said, though I was greatly startled by his
words. 'And what if I do not take your advice?'

He shrugged his shoulders. 'In that case look to yourself!' he retorted.
'But you will lo