"Our friends have made good use of their time," I remarked, hoping to learn something useful from his conversation.
"They are anxious to surround the cage while the bird is still within. These strange rumours concerning the Abbé have made them uneasy."
"But I don't in the least understand you."
"Well, they must be untrue, or you would not be here. Still, the information came to us on good authority."
"Speak out, man, and let us clear up the matter; I am completely in the dark."
"Then," said he bluntly, "it is just this. We heard De Retz intended to trick us, and that you, instead of having returned to Paris, were still at Vançey. Of course I knew better, but the Abbé is a slippery customer!"
"Why not have told him your suspicions?"
D'Arçy slapped me on the back.
"Behold the innocence of the dove!" he exclaimed. "Of course he would have denied everything and demanded our proofs. But he will do well to leave off this double game. With the Cardinal in our hands we shall be too strong for him."
"I don't understand now."