"There are many other persons, Sire," said the Statesman, as he was about to depart, "who are implicated more or less in this unhappy conspiracy; but as their guilt is either in a minor degree, or their rank less elevated, I will not trouble your Majesty to put your personal signature to the warrants against them. In the mean time, allow me to hint that the King ought not to be seen hunting with traitors when they are known to be so."
"No, no," replied Louis, mournfully; "I am in no mood for hunting now. But where go you, Monsieur de Chavigni? You will not leave me for long," added the King, feeling that he must have some one to lean on, and little caring who, so that they yielded him support. "You will not leave me for long in this case of danger."
"I am about to proceed to Corneille," replied Chavigni, "to order up a body of the Cardinal's guard. At present, I have no escort but a few servants. We are surrounded by the retainers of the different conspirators, and, were I to attempt the execution of your Majesty's warrants, we might meet with opposition. But I will soon set that at rest, and before to-morrow morning there shall be a thousand men in Narbonne, truly devoted to your Majesty's service."
The King gave an involuntary shudder; and Chavigni, with a mockery of profound respect, which he felt but little, took leave and quitted the presence.
The moment he was gone, Louis called to one of the attendants, and carefully shutting the door when he had entered, "François," said he, "you are a silent, cautious man--I can trust you: Go to Monsieur le Grand Ecuyer, and, if he is alone, tell him, that France is a climate dangerous for his health, to betake himself elsewhere, and that speedily. But if there is any one with him, merely say, that the King feels himself too unwell to enjoy the pleasures of the chase to-day; but that he desires that his indisposition may not prevent the gentlemen invited from following their sport. But, François, watch well Cinq Mars's return; find him out alone, and give him the first message. Only beware, that in it the King's name is never mentioned. Do you understand?"
The Page bowed profoundly, but still maintained the same unbroken silence, and retired to fulfil the King's commands. The presence of Fontrailles, however, prevented him from delivering the warning, until the Master of the Horse returned from hunting, when he found an opportunity of speaking to him alone. Such a caution, delivered by the King's own Page, alarmed the favourite; and though it was by this time late, he sent a servant to see if the city gates were shut. The servant scarcely gave himself the trouble to inquire, but returning immediately, informed his master that they were. Cinq Mars stayed--and before the next morning, every avenue from Narbonne was occupied by the Cardinal's guard.
