"No, Captain Cauvignac."
"I don't know him," said several voices.
"I do," said Canolles.
"Is he a stanch royalist?"
"I should not dare to say. I have every reason to think, however, that Captain Cauvignac is a creature of Monsieur le Duc d'Épernon and very devoted to him."
"That answers the question; any man who is devoted to the duke is devoted to his Majesty."
"He's a sort of scout sent on ahead to beat up the country for the king," said the old officer, who was making up for the time lost in waiting. "I have heard of him in that connection."
"Is his Majesty on his way hither?" asked Richon, with his customary tranquil manner.
"He should be at least as far as Blois," replied the young man just from the court.
"Are you sure of it?"