"Oh, no," interrupted Mazarin, smiling, "the Prince still occupies his prison at Havre. But La Rochefoucauld is here to represent him. If you go into the city you will hear the people crying for the release of Condé. They are not aware how comfortable he is. But you will not go!"
"Why not, my lord?"
"Because I have need of you. We must put our heads together, and unravel the mysteries of this plot. The matter is serious; all my enemies seem to be in league. Come now, do you fancy De Retz has been bought?"
I really felt sorry for the poor wretch with whom the Cardinal thus played as a cat plays with a mouse.
"De Retz?" he stammered. "I should think it very likely; the others could accomplish nothing without him, because he controls the mob."
"It is very unfortunate. You are aware he wishes to become a Cardinal, and now he will lose his chance. The red hat would have suited him well, but I must give it to Rivière, the bosom friend of Orleans. But perhaps even the Duke has been gained? What do you think, my dear Martin?" and the purring cat suddenly became a hissing serpent.
The unhappy astrologer bent his head.
"They must have secured him," he gasped like a man choking. "They would not dare to move without his support."
"And the king of the markets?" asked Mazarin, who thus scornfully referred to the Duke of Beaufort.
"He has powerful friends. His help would be valuable if there really is a conspiracy."