Maurevel inserted the key Catharine had given him into the lock, and leaving two men at the outer door, as had been agreed on, he entered the antechamber with the four others.
"Ah! ah!" said Maurevel, hearing the noisy breathing of the sleeper, the sound of which reached even as far as that, "it seems that we shall find what we are looking for."
Orthon, thinking it was his master returning, at once started up and found himself face to face with five armed men in the first chamber.
At sight of the sinister face of Maurevel, who was called the King's Slayer, the faithful servant sprang back, and placing himself before the second door:
"Who are you?" said he, "and what do you want?"
"In the King's name," replied Maurevel, "where is your master?"
"My master?"
"Yes, the King of Navarre."
"The King of Navarre is not in his room," said Orthon, barring the door more than ever, "so you cannot enter."
"Excuses, lies!" said Maurevel. "Come, stand back!"