Everything was arranged for the festivities. Two greased poles had been set up in the courtyard, at the top of which were fastened the Syntax and the Rudiments. The colored lanterns were strung in the garden paths; the arena was arranged for the gymnastic sports; and the three musicians who were to compose the orchestra, the leader being blind, had arrived, armed with two violins and a clarinet. The servants ran hither and thither in the midst of it all, and the new livery did in fact give them some resemblance to the birds of which Vincent had spoken. However, in order to avoid dismissal, the gardener had made up his mind to put on his costume with the rest; Monsieur Férulus was careful always to stand in the sun, in order to make his buttons shine more brightly.
The clock struck twelve. Robineau was in full dress; all the preparations were made, but no one had yet arrived of the numerous company expected. However, François and the two scullions fired three musket shots; and Robineau, who was in the salon with his friends, ran out upon the balcony, saying:
"What is that?"
"It is the signal to announce that the fête is beginning, monseigneur," said François.
"Idiot! do you suppose that the fête is going to begin before anyone has arrived?"
"Why, monseigneur, Monsieur Férulus told us to fire all together at noon."
"Non errabis!" cried Férulus, appearing in the courtyard; "I told you to fire at noon, but it was understood that it should be coram populo, that is to say, before the company. Reload your weapons, therefore; you must give a second signal."
While the servants reloaded their weapons, shrieks arose from one corner of the courtyard. Everybody hurried in that direction to ascertain the cause. They found the leader of the orchestra sprawling on the steps of the staircase leading to the cellar, down which he had jumped at the report of the muskets, which he believed to be aimed at him. They picked up the poor man, who had suffered nothing worse than a few bruises, and placed him on the stand which was set up in the courtyard, ordering his two companions not to leave him, which they promised only on condition that six bottles of wine should be placed under the bench.
Half an hour passed, and no one appeared. Robineau began to be impatient, Monsieur Férulus ran about, telling each one again and again what he had to do, and as he spoke, glancing furtively at his buttons. Robineau called for an opera glass and went up with his friends to the top of the South Tower. From there they could see the road for a long distance, and Monsieur de la Roche-Noire kept passing the glass to his friends, saying, like Bluebeard’s wife: "Do you see anybody coming?"
At last they espied a horseman riding toward the château; Robineau turned the glass upon him and cried: