"Escaped safe and sound."
"By Gog and Magog!" exclaimed Charles, "he was a brave fellow, and you are right, mother, I must know him."
"Well, I tell you in advance that you will not know him, at least not through Henry."
"But through you, mother? The man did not escape without leaving some trace, without your noticing some part of his clothing."
"Nothing was noticed except the very elegant red cloak which he wore."
"Ah! ah! a red cloak!" cried Charles. "I know only one at court remarkable enough to attract attention."
"Exactly," said Catharine.
"Well?" demanded Charles.
"Well," said Catharine, "wait for me in your rooms, my son, and I will go and see if my orders have been carried out."
Catharine left, and Charles, alone, began walking up and down distractedly, whistling a hunting-song, one hand in his doublet, the other hanging down, which his dog licked every time he paused.