"Doubtless; we shall be ten to one."
"Why, the Swiss are four thousand strong."
"Yes, but they are at Lagny, and that is eight leagues from Paris, and supposing they were to send for them, it would take two hours for the messenger to go on horseback, and eight for them to return on foot, so that they would just arrive in time to be stopped at the gates, and in a few hours we should be masters of Paris."
"Very good; but supposing all this accomplished, the watch disarmed, the authorities disappeared, and all obstacles removed, what do you mean to do?"
"Form a new government of honest people. As for ourselves, so long as our commerce is successful, and we have enough for our wives and children, we care for little else. Some among us might desire a command, and they should have it. We are not difficult to satisfy."
"I know you are all honest, and would not suffer a mixture in your ranks."
"No, no!" cried several voices.
"Now, M. Poulain," said the duke, "are there many idlers and bad people in the Ile de France?"
Nicholas Poulain, who had hitherto kept in the background, was now forced to advance. "Certainly, monseigneur, there are a great many," he replied.
"Could you guess at their number?"