“We must force our hand,” he said to Calvert.  “There is not a moment to lose.  This cursed, imprudent, vainglorious mandate of Brunswick’s has set the whole country by the ears, for all Paris and the army believes, aye, knows, that the King had cognizance of it before it was issued.  The Queen has usually been the double dealer, but this time I think they have both had a hand in it, although these letters from your wife, which, according to our agreement, I have opened, assure us that their Majesties are still of a mind to trust to the issue of our plan and are ready to make the trial at any moment.”

“What success have you had with the army?” asked Calvert.

“Much.  I can count on a dozen regiments—­Saurel, Marbois, Pelletet, and their commands will go with me.  I have favorable news, too, from Namur and Treves; but there is no more time, I think, to gain over others.  We must work with what we have.  The advices from Paris make it plain that the King is all but lost,” and he laid before Calvert a budget of despatches lately arrived by couriers from the capital.  “You will see for yourself in what a ferment the city is, and how bitterly hostile is the attitude of Assembly and people to the King.”

“And what do you hear from Beaufort, Monciel, and the rest who are working with the members of the Assembly?” asked Calvert, who had heard nothing on his long journey, though he had kept their Majesties informed of his own movements.

“Here is Beaufort’s letter—­it reached me yesterday,” replied Lafayette.  “He reports a sufficient number engaged on our side by bribery or interest to insure the King’s departure—­only it must be instantly, instantly, or all is lost.”

“Then I will go at once to Paris,” said Calvert, “and report all ready here, and the great step must be taken if it is ever to be.”

“It cannot be too soon.”

“And have you made all arrangements?”

“This is my plan,” says the General, laying a military map of France upon the table before Calvert.

“The King must ask permission to retire to Compiegne for a few days—­’tis, as you know, one of his Majesty’s favorite residences, hence the request will seem natural.  Three days preceding that request (and which, I think, cannot be later than the 9th) I will order several of the most loyal regiments under Saurel and Marbois to proceed to Laon to invest that fortress.  I will march with these troops myself, and at La Capelle, which, as you see, is about six leagues from Compiegne, will order them to proceed to the latter point instead of to Laon.  The King will find a loyal army surrounding his chateau of Compiegne when he arrives.”

“And if the Assembly refuses to let him leave Paris?”