Talizac ran to the door of the salon and summoned the lacqueys. "Here, take this man away!"
And, as they crowded in, Fanfar said: "Who dares lay a hand on me?"
"I do!" answered a voice behind him, as a hand was laid on his shoulder. "In the name of the king, I arrest you!"
The man who uttered these words wore a white scarf, fringed with gold. Soldiers filled every doorway.
"Monsieur," said the Magistrate, to Fongereues, "a man has just been found endeavoring to conceal himself in the apartments of His Majesty. He had arms concealed about his person, and did not hesitate to confess that he came with the intention of killing the king."
A cry of horror ran around the room. Fongereues was overjoyed. Cyprien had kept his word.
"And this man," continued the Magistrate, "when summoned to name his accomplices, said that he obeyed the instructions of a secret society, of which this Fanfar is the chief."
"An infamous falsehood!" exclaimed Fanfar.
"An assassin! never!" murmured Irène, as she rose from her knees, hastily.
Arthur held her back. He had divined her secret. "Do not betray yourself," he whispered, "rely on me."