“Major of cavalry, sire, and Chevalier of the Military Order of St. Louis.”
“In your double capacity as major of cavalry, and Chevalier of the Order of St. Louis, you have twice sworn fealty to your King. It is, therefore, your duty to aid me in the difficulty in which I find myself.”
The Major murmured some words; the Queen stamped her foot with impatience.
“Ah, sire!” said she; “see you not that the Major is afraid.”
The King looked as if he had not heard her remark.
“Monsieur,” continued he, “have you heard that a detachment of hussars, and relays of horses, await a treasure which must pass through Varennes?”
“Yes, sire,” replied M. de Préfontaine.
“Where are the hussars? Where are the horses?”
“In the Low Town, sire.”
“And the officers?”