“And why this distinction, if this question be not too curious?”

“I know you, that is all.”

“Me! you know me?”

“You, and he, and all here.”

“It is strange.”

“Yes, but necessary.”

“Why?”

“Because a chief should know his soldiers.”

“And all these men—­”

“Will be my soldiers to-morrow.”

“But I thought that M. d’Epernon—­”

“Hush! do not pronounce that name here.”

Then rising, M. de Loignac said, “Gentlemen, since chance unites here forty-five compatriots, let us empty a glass of wine to the prosperity of all.”

This proposal gave rise to frantic applause.  “They are almost all half drunk,” said De Loignac; “it would be a good opportunity to make them repeat their histories, only time does not permit of it.”  Then he added aloud, “Hola!  M. Fournichon, dismiss from the room all women, children and lackeys.”

Lardille retired grumbling, but Militor did not move.  “Did you not hear,
M. Militor,” said De Loignac; “to the kitchen!”

There remained only forty-five men, and M. de Loignac then said, “Now, gentlemen, each knows who called him to Paris.  Good! that will do; do not call out his name.  You know also that you have come to obey him.”

A murmur of assent came from all, mingled with astonishment, for each one knew only what concerned himself, and was ignorant that his neighbor had been moved by the same influence.

“Well, then!” continued De Loignac, “you will have time to become acquainted with each other afterward.  You agree that you have come here to obey him?”

“Yes, yes,” they cried.

“Then, to begin; go quietly out of this hotel to the lodgings prepared for you.”

“For all?” asked St. Maline.

“Yes, for all.”

“We are all equal here,” cried Perducas, whose limbs felt rather doubtful under him.

“Yes,” replied De Loignac; “all are equal before the will of the master.”

“Oh!” cried Carmainges, coloring; “I do not know that M. d’Epernon would be called my master.”

“Wait!”

“I did not expect that.”

“Wait, hot head!  I did not tell you who was to be your master.”

“No; but you said we should have one.”

“Every one has a master; and if you are too proud to acknowledge him we spoke of, you may look higher; I authorize you.”

“The king!” murmured Carmainges.

“Silence!” said De Loignac.  “But first will you do me the favor to read aloud this parchment.”

Ernanton took it and read these words: 

     “Order to M. de Loignac to take the command of the forty-five
     gentlemen whom I have sent for to Paris with the consent of his
     majesty.

     “Nogaretde Lavalette.

     “Duc d’Epernon.”

They all bowed at this.