"Scoundrels," muttered Talizac, as he went away with Velletri. "If we could only do without them!"
CHAPTER XVI
MACHIAVELLI AND COMPANY
The Marquis of Fougereuse was sitting in his study, and Simon stood beside him.
"So he has escaped from us again?" remarked the marquis frowning.
"God knows how it happened, my lord; my plans were all so well laid that I cannot understand how the affair fell through?"
"Postponed is not given up," observed the nobleman; "and as Fanfaro does not yet suspect who he really is, he can go on compromising himself. Have you any further details with regard to the conspiracy?"
"Yes, my lord, we have trustworthy witnesses, who can swear, in case of need, that Fanfaro planned an attempt upon the sacred person of the king."