"Perfectly, monsieur."
"You will leave Paris to-night; trust no one, and remember that every man you meet on the road may be a spy in Condé's pay."
"Then the chief danger is to be expected from the prince?"
"From every one," he exclaimed sharply. "King's friends. Queen's friends, Frondeurs and petits maîtres are all to be suspected until that letter is placed in Mazarin's own hands."
Being a very tiny packet it was hidden without much difficulty, and, after listening to Le Tellier's cautions all over again, I left the apartment. Humphreys was waiting in the courtyard, but, staying only to whisper, "Secret service," I hurried on to my own rooms.
"Monsieur will find his things on the bed," said the landlord; "they are rather shabby, but they will attract less notice than new ones."
I asked if the town was quiet, and with a shrug, of his shoulders he said, "As yet, but there will be mischief presently. Monsieur is wise to put on an overall if he wishes to walk abroad."
"I am going to look on, nothing more. Now bring me something to eat, and I will pay your bill."
"I am obliged," said he as coolly as if it were an everyday incident, though I am sure he must have felt surprised at such an unexpected stroke of luck. I know I was astonished at my own ability to pay him.
"Monsieur will return?" said he questioningly, when at last I was ready to depart.