"Yes; but I also know that the chief of the Invisibles can say to Danton, 'Open or shut that door.'"
Cagliostro rose, and going over to a writing-desk, wrote a cabalistic sign on a small square of paper. Presenting this to Gilbert, he said:
"Go and find Danton, and ask him anything you like." Gilbert rose.
"What are you going to do when the king's turn comes?"
"I intend to be elected to the convention, so as to vote with all my power against his death."
"Be it so; I can understand that," said the leader. "Act as your conscience dictates, but promise me one thing."
"What is it?"
"There was a time when you would have promised without a condition, Gilbert."
"At that time you would not have told me that a nation could heal itself by murdering, or a people gain by massacre."
"Have it your own way. Only promise me that, when the king shall be executed, you will follow the advice I give you."