"Yes, your Highness," I answered, really surprised now.
"And have enjoyed many a good day's fishing, I warrant? Ah, I see you have. Have you ever gone out with the determination to hook one particularly big fish?"
"Why, yes," I replied, laughing, and quite at my ease. "I remember an old trout, a regular monster, that I could never catch, though I tried often enough. He was a wily fellow and would not take the bait."
"But you landed others?"
"A good many, your Highness, though they did not make up for the one I missed."
"Then you can understand my feelings, De Lalande. I have been angling a long time for a very wily fish, but I cannot get him on my hook; and the lesser ones are not worth catching. They are useful only as bait."
Now I began to perceive the prince's drift. The big fish was, of course, De Retz, who so skilfully avoided capture; Peleton only ranked as one of the smaller fry.
After a time, Condé, who had been watching my face closely, spoke more plainly.
"M. de Lalande," he began, "I am going to ask you a question. Will you take service with me?"
"You do me great honour, your Highness, but it is impossible. I have pledged my word to Cardinal Mazarin."