My Sword's My Fortune: A Story of Old France, Page 4

  CHAPTER IV.

  I Meet the Cardinal.

  My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large,lofty, and oddly furnished. A table littered with papers andparchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden byhundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in onecorner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, theuses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtainsscreened the lower end of the room.

  At the table sat two men of striking personal appearance.

  One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad,high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes. He was older than hiscompanion, and the deeply-furrowed brow bespoke a life of much care,perhaps sorrow. He was dressed in a brown robe, held loosely round themiddle by silken cords; he wore slippers on his feet, and a tasselledcap partly covered his scanty white hair. I put him down as theastrologer.

  The second man attracted and repelled me at the same time. He was inthe prime of life and undeniably handsome, while there was a look ofsagacity, almost of craft, in his face.

  "A strong man," I thought, looking into his wonderful eyes. "Notbrave, perhaps, but dogged and tenacious. A man of cunning, too, whowill play a knave at his own game and beat him. And yet, somehow, onewould expect to find him occupied with paint-brush or guitar, ratherthan with the affairs of State."

  Stories of the powerful Cardinal had reached even my quiet home, but Ihad never met him, and now stood looking at his face longer perhapsthan was in keeping with good manners.

  "Hum!" said he, watching me closely, "you are very young for aconspirator; you should be still with your tutor. What is your name?"

  "Albert de Lalande," I replied.

  "De Lalande!" he echoed in surprise. "The son of Charles de Lalande?"

  "Your Eminence is thinking of my cousin Henri."

  "Pouf! Are there two of you? So much the worse; one of the family issufficient. Eh, Martin?"

  "This youth is like his cousin," replied the astrologer, "but I imaginehe knows little of Paris. I should say he is more at home in thefields than in the streets."

  "It seems he knows enough to be mixed up in a daring plot," saidMazarin with a grim smile. "But, after all, my enemies do not rate mypowers highly when they send a boy like this against me. I believed Iwas of more importance."

  "No one sent me," I replied; "on the contrary, I came to warn you, butI need have had no fear for you, I find."

  The Cardinal sighed. "The wolves do not always get into thesheep-fold," he murmured gently, at which, remembering the body ofarmed men below, I felt amused.

  He was about to speak again, when, after tapping at the door, anofficer entered the room. His clothes were torn and soiled, there wasa smear of blood on the sleeve of his coat, and he glanced at hismaster sheepishly.

  "Alone!" exclaimed the latter in astonishment, upon which the soldierapproached him and began to speak in whispers. Mazarin was evidentlydispleased, but he listened courteously to the end.

  "What bad luck!" he cried. "I thought they were all nicely trapped.However, no doubt you did your best. Now go and let a surgeon attendto your hurts. I see you have been wounded."

  "A mere scratch, your Eminence," replied the officer saluting, and,when he had withdrawn, the Cardinal again turned his attention to me.

  "Yes," said he, as if in answer to a question, "your companions haveescaped: so much the better for them. But, deprived of thebell-wether, the flock counts for little. Now, as you value your life,tell me who sent you here. I warn you to speak the truth; there aredeep dungeons in the Bastille."

  "My story is a curious one, your Eminence, but it throws little lighton the affair. My father is the head of the De Lalande family, but heis poor, and has lost his estates. The other day our friend, M.Belloc----"

  "Belloc?" exclaimed the Cardinal quickly, "what Belloc?"

  "Roland Belloc, your Eminence, a stout soldier and your faithfulservant. He offered, if I came to Paris, to speak to you on my behalf."

  "Go on," said Mazarin, with evident interest.

  "Shortly after his return to Paris I had the misfortune to offend BaronMaubranne of Vancey, and then my mother, who had before been unwillingto part from me, agreed to my leaving home. I came to Paris, andinquired for my friend at the Palais Royal. The soldiers declared hewas absent, which was unfortunate for me. However, I remembered thename of an inn at which another friend sometimes puts up, and I wentthere."

  "One must go somewhere," said Mazarin.

  "Yesterday," I continued, "a man brought me a note. It was intendedfor some one else, but, not knowing that, I opened it. It was verymysterious, but I gathered there was a conspiracy on foot, and that youwere to be the victim."

  "That is generally the case," exclaimed Mazarin with a sigh.

  "As the conspirators mistook me for some one else----"

  "For your cousin!"

  "I resolved to play the part, in the hope of being able to put you onyour guard."

  "A remarkable story!" said Mazarin thoughtfully. "Eh, Martin?"

  "It seems to ring true, your Eminence," replied the astrologer.

  "There are two or three points, though, to be considered. Forinstance," turning to me, "to which party does this second friend ofyours belong?"

  "I really do not know that he belongs to any party."

  "Well, it is of small consequence. Now, as to the people who came herewith you?" and he cast a searching glance at my face.

  "I should not recognise them in the street."

  "But their names?" he cried impatiently. "You must know at least whotheir leader was."

  "Pardon me," I said quietly, "but I did not undertake to play the spy.What I learned was by accident."

  "You will not tell me?" and he drummed on the table.

  "I cannot: it would be dishonourable."

  "Oh," said he with a sneer, "honour is not much esteemed in these days!"

  "My father has always taught me to look on it as the most importantthing in the world."

  "A clear proof that he is a stranger to Paris. However, I will notpress you. It will ill-suit my purpose to imprison D'Arcy--he is toouseful as a conspirator," he added with a chuckle.

  I started in surprise at the mention of D'Arcy's name, and the Cardinalsmiled.

  "At present," he said kindly, "your sword will be of more service to methan your brains. Evidently you are not at home with our Parisianways. Come, let me give you a lesson on the question and answerprinciple. How came I to be on my guard? My spies, as it happened,were ignorant of the conspiracy."

  "Then one of the plotters betrayed his comrades."

  "Precisely. Price--a thousand crowns. Next, how did De Retz discoverthat the plot was known?"

  "That is more difficult to answer. I thought at first he himself wasthe traitor."

  "A shrewd guess. Why did you alter your opinion?"

  "Because De Retz cannot be in need of a thousand crowns."

  "Quite true. Well, I will tell you the story; it will show you themanner of men with whom I have to deal. Two thousand crowns are betterthan one; so my rogue having first sold the Abbe's secret to me,obtained another by warning him that the conspiracy was discovered."

  "But, in that case, why did he let his friends proceed with the scheme?"

  Mazarin laughed at my question, saying, "That opens up another matter.All these people hate me, but they don't love each other. Forinstance, it would have delighted De Retz to learn that young D'Arcywas safe under lock and key in the Bastille."

  "Then he will be disappointed."

  Again the Cardinal laughed.

  "That," he said, "was my rogue's masterpiece. Having pocketed his twothousand crowns, he sold us in the end by raising the alarm before mytroops were ready. In that way he will stand well with his party,while making a clear gain all round. But, now, let us talk ofyourself. I understand you have come to Paris to seek your fortune."

&nb
sp; I bowed.

  "That means I must either have you on my side or against me. There areseveral parties in Paris, but every man, ay, and woman too, is either afriend to Mazarin or his enemy. What say you? Will you wear the greenscarf or not? Think it over. You are a free agent, and I shallwelcome you as a friend, or respect you as a foe. True, you are veryyoung, but you seem a sensible lad. Now make your choice."

  "Providence has decided for me," I answered. "I shall be glad if I canbe of any service to your Eminence."

  "Good! Serve me faithfully, and you shall not be able to accuseMazarin of being a niggardly paymaster. Belloc will return in a day ortwo, and we will have a talk with him. But the night flies. Martin,my trusty friend, I must depart: we will discuss those accounts at aquieter season."

  "At your pleasure," replied the astrologer, and then at a signal fromMazarin, a grizzled veteran stepped out from behind the curtain.

  "M. de Lalande's sword will be returned to him," said the Cardinal,"and he will await me with the Guards."

  "_Ma foi!_ you are a lucky youngster!" exclaimed my guide when we wereout of earshot; "Mazarin has quite taken to you. I have never knownany one jump into his favour so quickly."

  The soldiers still stood at attention in the lower room, and theofficer on being informed of the Cardinal's orders returned my pistolsand helped me to buckle on my sword.

  "A pleasanter task," he remarked, "than escorting you to the Bastille,where I expected you would pass the night. Have you joined theCardinal's service?"

  "More or less," I answered laughing. "I hardly know how things standtill M. Belloc returns."

  "Are you acquainted with him?"

  "He is one of my father's chief friends, perhaps the only one. Iinquired for him the other day at the Palais Royal, but your men arenot too affable to a stranger. Perhaps they would have been less surlybut for my shabby mantle."

  Before he had time to reply, Mazarin made his appearance, and, afterissuing some orders, requested me to follow him. The street wasdeserted, the people were in bed, there was no sign of any troops, andI could not help thinking how completely the Cardinal had placedhimself in my power. He, however, appeared to anticipate no danger,but walked steadily, leaning on my arm.

  "The night air is cold," he said presently, drawing his black mantlecloser round him--and after a pause, "Do you know your way? Ah, I hadforgotten. Your home is near Vancey?"

  "_At_ Vancey, my grandsire would have answered, your Eminence, buttimes have changed, and we with them."

  "It is hard work climbing the ladder, but harder still to stand on thetop," remarked the Cardinal, and he asked me to tell him something ofmy family history. So, as we walked through the silent streets of theslumbering city, I described sadly how the broad acres of myforefathers had dwindled to a solitary farm.

  We were in sight of the Palais Royal when I finished the melancholynarrative, and Mazarin stopped. The night was already past, and, inthe light of the early dawn, we saw each other's faces distinctly. Itmay have been mere fancy, or the result of the severe strain on mynerves, or, more simple still, the manner in which the half lightplayed on his face, but it seemed to me that the powerful Cardinal hadbecome strangely agitated.

  "Did you hear anything?" he asked suddenly, pressing my arm. "Listen,there it is again," and from our right came the sound of a low, clearwhistle.

  "It is a signal of some sort," I said.

  "Yes," he exclaimed, "but fortunately it was given just too late. Imust be more careful in future. Come! The sooner we are inside thegate the better," and he walked so quickly that I had much ado to keeppace with him.

  Passing the sentries at the gate, we crossed the courtyard, and enteredthe Palais Royal through a narrow door leading to a private staircase.Turning to the left at the top, Mazarin led the way along what appearedto be an endless succession of corridors. Soldiers were stationed hereand there, but, instantly recognising the cloaked figure, they salutedand we passed on.

  At last Mazarin paused, and blowing softly on a silver whistle wasinstantly joined by a man in civilian attire.

  "Find M. de Lalande food and a bed," exclaimed the Cardinal briskly."For the present he is my guest, and will remain within call. Has M.Belloc returned?"

  "No, my Lord."

  "Let him attend me immediately upon his arrival. Where are thereports?"

  "On your table, my Lord."

  "Very good. See to M. de Lalande, and then wait in the ante-chamber.You may be wanted."

  The man, who, I imagine, was a kind of under secretary, made a low bow,and motioned me to follow him, which I did gladly, being both hungryand tired. Showing me into a large room, he rang the bell and orderedsupper. The excitement had not destroyed my appetite, and I did amplejustice to the meal. Then, passing to an inner chamber, I undressedand went to bed, to sleep as soundly as if I had still been under myfather's roof.

  For three days I saw nothing more of the Cardinal. All sorts of peoplecame and went--powerful nobles, soldiers, a few bourgeois, and a numberof men whom I classed in my own mind as spies. They crowded theante-room for hours, waiting till the minister had leisure to receivethem.

  On the fourth morning I was lounging in the corridor, having nothingbetter to do, when a soldier passed into the ante-room. His clotheswere soiled and muddy; he was booted and spurred, and had apparentlyjust returned from a long journey.

  "M. Belloc!" I exclaimed, but he did not hear me, and before I couldreach him he had gone into Mazarin's room, much to the disgust of thosewho had been waiting since early morning for an audience.

  As he remained closeted with the Cardinal for more than an hour, it wasevident he brought important news, and the people in the ante-roomwondered what it could be.

  "He is a clever fellow," remarked one. "I know him well. No one hasgreater influence with Mazarin."

  "The Cardinal is brewing a surprise," whispered another. "Paris willhave a chance to gossip in a day or two."

  "It is rumoured," continued the first, "that De Retz nearly foundhimself in the Bastille only the other night."

  "'Twould have served him right, too; he is a regular monkey formischief. I wonder the Cardinal has put up with his tricks so long."

  Thus they chattered among themselves till at last the door opened, andthe secretary came out. A dozen men pressed forward eagerly, but,making his way through them, he approached the corner where I sat.

  "M. de Lalande," he said, "the Cardinal wishes to see you."

  I jumped up and followed him, amidst cold looks and scarcely concealedsneers at my shabby dress. It has often astonished me that people showsuch contempt for an old coat.

  Mazarin stood with his back to the fireplace talking to my father's oldfriend.

  "This is the youngster," said he, as I entered. "Do you know him?"

  "Ay," answered Belloc, "I know him well, and I warrant he will prove asfaithful a follower as any who draws your pay. I have yet to hear of aDe Lalande deserting his flag. Even Henri, scamp though he may be, isloyal to his party. When De Retz sinks, Henri de Lalande will sinkwith him."

  "_Ma foi!_" exclaimed the Cardinal, "such a fellow would be well worthgaining over!"

  "You would find him proof against bribes or threats. And I warrantthis lad is of the same mettle."

  "Your friend gives you a high character, M. de Lalande," said theCardinal smiling.

  "I hope he will not be disappointed in me, your Eminence."

  "Remember you are responsible for him," continued Mazarin, turning tothe soldier. "Let his name be placed on your books; no doubt I shallsoon find him something to do. Now I must carry your despatches to HerMajesty."

  "Come with me, Albert," said Belloc, "and tell me all the news. Youhave made a good start; Mazarin speaks highly of your intelligence.This way! I am going to my quarters; I have been in the saddle for thelast few days."

  Roland Belloc was decidedly a man of influence at the Palais Royal.Officers and soldiers saluted respectfully
as he passed, while he inturn had a smile and a nod for every one.

  He had two rooms in a corner of the Palace, one of which served as abedroom. The other was sparsely furnished, while its principalornaments were spurs and gauntlets, swords and pistols, which hung onthe walls.

  As soon as he had changed his clothing he sat down, and bade me explainhow I came to be in Paris. His brow darkened when I relatedMaubranne's insults, and though he made no remark, I knew he wasterribly angry.

  "You have had quite a series of adventures," he said at length, "and,for a youngster, have come remarkably well through them. Your foot ison the ladder now, my boy, and I hope you will climb high. Mazarin isa good master to a good servant, and he rules France. Bear that inmind. If all his enemies joined together I doubt if they could beathim, but they hate each other too much to unite."

  "What shall I have to do?"

  "I cannot say till the Cardinal gives his orders. He may make you anofficer in the Guards, or keep you near him as a sort of body-servant.But do your duty wherever you are placed. Every step forward means abrighter chance of recovering Vancey."

  "That is never long out of my thoughts."

  "'Tis a good goal to try for, and not an impossible one either. Haveyou quarters in the Palace?"

  "Temporary ones, till Mazarin has decided how to employ me."

  The old soldier kept me with him some time longer, but seeing he wastired I made some excuse to get away, promising to call again in themorning. His return had cheered me considerably. Hitherto I had beenvery lonely among the crowds of courtiers, but now I felt secure ofhaving at least one friend in the vast building.

  It was strange, too, what a difference his friendship made in myposition. Gaily-dressed young nobles, who, after a glance at my shabbydoublet, had passed by without a word, now stopped and entered intoconversation, pressing me to come here and there, as if I were theirmost intimate friend.

  However, I declined their invitations, thinking it best to keep in thebackground till I had learned more of the Cardinal's intentions.