Why had he come here? Where had he been hiding?
The committee received him cautiously and inquired in regard to the nature of his mission.
"His Most Christian Majesty the King of France," said he, "has heard of your struggle for a defense of your rights and for liberty. He has desired me to meet you as his representative, and to express to you his respect and sympathy, and to say to you in secrecy that should the time come when you needed aid, his assistance would not be withheld."
This was news of moment. The committee expressed their gratitude and satisfaction, and said:
"Will you give us the evidence of your authority that we may present it to Congress?"
His answer was strange.
"Gentlemen," said he, drawing his hand across his throat, "I shall take care of my head."
"But," said one of the committee, "in an event of such importance we desire to secure the friendly opinion of Congress."
"Gentlemen," making the same gesture, "I shall take care of my head." He then said impressively: "If you want arms, you may have them; if you want ammunition, you may have it; if you want money, you may have it. Gentlemen, I shall take care of my head."
He went out and disappeared from public view. He is such a mysterious character in our history as to recall the man with the Iron Mask. Did he come from the King of France? None knew, or could ever tell.