“The traitors!” cried the King, in great agitation; “they must be seized. My brother renounces them and repents; but do not fail to arrest the Duc de Bouillon.”
“It shall be done, Sire.”
“That will be difficult, in the middle of the army in Italy.”
“I will answer with my head for his arrest, Sire; but is there not another name to be added?”
“Who—what—Cinq-Mars?” inquired the King, hesitating.
“Exactly so, Sire,” answered the Cardinal.
“I see—but—I think—we might—”
“Hear me!” exclaimed Richelieu, in a voice of thunder; “all must be settled to-day. Your favorite is mounted at the head of his party; choose between him and me. Yield up the boy to the man, or the man to the boy; there is no alternative.”
“And what will you do if I consent?” said the King.
“I will have his head and that of his friend.”