“Tudieu!” he laughed, as he slipped the signet on his finger. “I see now why Richelieu wished to accompany us. I would wager my best hawk against a hedge-crow that we meet him yet. Come, gentlemen!”
So saying, he led the way from the cabinet toward the outer gateway, where Lorgnac was yet at his vigil.
“Still on duty!” said Cipierre, stopping to exchange a word with the lieutenant of the guard, who was a favorite of his.
“As you see, monsieur.”
“What! Do they make you watch all night? It was not so in my time.”
“No, monsieur!” replied the young soldier; “but till midnight, when Crequi relieves me—good-night, messieurs!”
“Good-night, de Lorgnac!” We returned his greeting and, moving quickly along the corridor, gained the entrance hall, where we found that Sancerre’s words were true, for Richelieu was there, warming himself at the fire, and, ranged near the door, stood at least a dozen of his carabiniers.
We looked at one another in surprise, and Richelieu stopped rubbing his hands together at the blaze in the grate; then, putting on his plumed hat, that lay on a chair beside him, he came toward us.
As he approached, Sancerre addressed him: “You here, monsieur! I had thought your duties were with the Queen-Mother.”
“My duties are where my orders carry me,” sneered Richelieu, “and, at the moment, these duties are painful—to others.” Then turning to us, he said, in a loud voice: “Messieurs de Marcilly and de Vibrac, I arrest you in the King’s name! Your swords, please, gentlemen!”