"More so had it been an ass's carcase, perhaps."
"Say a wolf's. If there is a breed of human wolves, I have had it proved to me to-night. The difference between these and the kind in the Menagerie is that it is we who are within the bars."
"You need not offer the breed as a novelty; I saw plenty of them at Eaux Tranquilles."
The speakers were Grancey and Germain. The Baron's face was full of indignation; Lecour's of platonic contempt.
The door of the Hall of the King's Guards opened, and the sentinels saluted for a Duke, while the Prince of Luxembourg entered. The Guards who were awake aroused their comrades. All sprang to their arms and saluted.
"Gentlemen," said the Prince, "you will be glad to know that his Majesty has such trust in your faithfulness that he is sleeping as quietly as usual."
A shout of "Vive le Roi!" arose.
The Prince withdrew. From the opposite door—that of the Hall of the Queen, now came out Monsieur d'Aguesseau, Mayor of the Guard, who was making the disposition of sentries.
The contingent, who were still standing, turned to him with looks of anxiety, and Lecour, as spokesman for the rest, said respectfully—
"How sleeps the Queen?"