"
The other musketeer restored the Chevalier's rapier.
"Proceed, Messieurs," said the Chevalier, picking up his hat and
thrusting his sword into its scabbard; "I dare say this moment is
distasteful to us all."
The musketeers conducted him through the secret staircase to the court
below. The Duc de Beaufort, who had been waiting, came forward.
"Stand back, Messieurs," said the prince; "I have a word to say to
Monsieur le Chevalier."
Mazarin's word was much, but the soldier loved his Beaufort. The two
musketeers withdrew a dozen paces.
"Monsieur," said the duke lowly, "that paper, and my word as a
gentleman, you shall go free."
"Paper? I do not understand your Highness."
"Come, come, Monsieur," said the duke impatiently; "it is your liberty.
Besides, I am willing to pay well."
"Your Highness," coldly, "you are talking over my head. I do not
understand a word you say."
Beaufort stared into the Chevalier's face. "Why did you enter De
Brissac's . . . ?"
"I have explained all that to monseigneur, the cardinal. Is everybody
mad in Paris?" with a burst of anger. "I arrive in Paris at six this
evening, and straightway I am accused of having killed a man I have
seen scarce a half dozen times in my life.
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