Henry turned slightly pale, for he knew that he shared the danger run by this rash young man. He looked anxiously about him, and stepped back a second time, no less quickly than he had done at first. He had seen the Duc d'Alençon at a window.
At once changing his manner Henry took the musket from the hands of De Mouy, standing, as we have said, sentinel, and while apparently measuring it:
"De Mouy," said he, "it is certainly not without some very strong motive that you have come to beard the lion in his den in this way?"
"No, sire, I have waited for you a week; only yesterday I heard that your majesty was to try a horse this morning, and I took my position at the gate of the Louvre."
"But how in this uniform?"
"The captain of the company is a Protestant and is one of my friends."
"Here is your musket; return to your duty of sentinel. We are watched. As I come back I will try to say a word to you, but if I do not speak, do not stop me. Adieu."
De Mouy resumed his measured walk, and Henry advanced towards the house.
"What is that pretty little animal?" asked the Duc d'Alençon from his window.
"A horse I am going to try this morning," replied Henry.