"The men forming that troop have, like Maître la Hurière, and myself, and yourself, a cross in their hats."
"Well?"
"Well, these men are a company of Swiss, from the smaller cantons, commanded by Toquenot,—you know the men from the smaller cantons are the King's cronies."
"Oho!" said Coconnas.
"Now look at that troop of horse passing along the Quay—do you recognize their leader?"
"How can I recognize him?" asked Coconnas, with a shudder; "I reached Paris only this evening."
"Well, then, he is the one with whom you have a rendezvous at the Louvre at midnight. See, he is going to wait for you!"
"The Duc de Guise?"
"Himself! His escorts are Marcel, the ex-provost of the tradesmen, and Jean Choron, the present provost. These two are going to summon their companies, and here, down this street comes the captain of the quarter. See what he will do!"
"He knocks at each door; but what is there on the doors at which he knocks?"