“Unless, which is possible, on account of the rank of the accused, they arrange it all quietly.”
“That would be my advice, certainly; it is better in family affairs.”
Aurilly glanced at the prince.
“Ma foi,” said Maugiron, “I know one thing; that in the king’s place I would not spare the high heads, which are always the most guilty. I would make an example of one or two—one, at all events.”
“I think it would be well to revive the famous invention of sacks.”
“What was that?”
“A royal fancy in the year 1550; they shut up a man in a sack, in company with three or four cats, and threw them into the water. The minute the cats felt the water they attacked the man, and there passed in the sack things which unluckily could never be seen.”
“Really, Quelus, you are a well of science, and your conversation is most interesting.”
“They could not apply this invention to the chiefs; they have the right to be beheaded; but to the small fry, I mean the favorites, squires, and lute-players.”
“Gentlemen——” stammered Aurilly.