In the centre of this court-yard, the three doors of which had been burst open, a man, around whom the assassins formed a respectful circle, stood leaning on his drawn rapier, and eagerly looking up at a balcony about fifteen feet above him, and extending in front of the principal window of the hôtel.
This man stamped impatiently on the ground, and from time to time questioned those that were nearest to him.
"Nothing yet!" murmured he. "No one!—he must have been warned and has escaped. What do you think, Du Gast?"
"Impossible, monseigneur."
"Why? Did you not tell me that just before we arrived a man, bare-headed, a drawn sword in his hand, came running, as if pursued, knocked at the door, and was admitted?"
"Yes, monseigneur; but M. de Besme came up immediately, the gates were shattered, and the hôtel was surrounded."
"The man went in sure enough, but he has not gone out."
"Why," said Coconnas to La Hurière, "if my eyes do not deceive me, I see Monsieur de Guise."
"You do see him, sir. Yes; the great Henry de Guise is come in person to watch for the admiral and serve him as he served the duke's father. Every one has his day, and it is our turn now."
"Holà, Besme, holà!" cried the duke, in his powerful voice, "have you not finished yet?"