“Murder him?”

“Yes, monseigneur.  At the same time we will force the doors of the other functionaries who might take his place, such as M. d’O, M. de Chiverny, and M. le Procureur Laguesle.  St. Bartholomew has taught us how to manage.”

“This is all well, gentlemen; but you have not told me if you mean, at the same time, to force the doors of the Louvre—­that strong and well-guarded fortress.  Believe me, the king is not so easily taken as the chevalier of the watch.”

“We have chosen four thousand men, who hate the king, for this undertaking.”

“And you think that enough?”

“Doubtless; we shall be ten to one.”

“Why, the Swiss are four thousand strong.”

“Yes, but they are at Lagny, and that is eight leagues from Paris, and supposing they were to send for them, it would take two hours for the messenger to go on horseback, and eight for them to return on foot, so that they would just arrive in time to be stopped at the gates, and in a few hours we should be masters of Paris.”

“Very good; but supposing all this accomplished, the watch disarmed, the authorities disappeared, and all obstacles removed, what do you mean to do?”

“Form a new government of honest people.  As for ourselves, so long as our commerce is successful, and we have enough for our wives and children, we care for little else.  Some among us might desire a command, and they should have it.  We are not difficult to satisfy.”

“I know you are all honest, and would not suffer a mixture in your ranks.”

“No, no!” cried several voices.

“Now, M. Poulain,” said the duke, “are there many idlers and bad people in the Ile de France?”

Nicholas Poulain, who had hitherto kept in the background, was now forced to advance.  “Certainly, monseigneur, there are a great many,” he replied.

“Could you guess at their number?”

“About four thousand thieves, three thousand or more beggars, and four or five hundred assassins.”

“Well, there are at least eight thousand good-for-nothings; of what religion are they?”

Poulain laughed.  “Of all, monseigneur; or, rather, of none; gold is their god, and blood their prophet.”

“Yes; but their politics?  Are they Valois, Leaguers, Navarrais, or what?”

“Robbers only.”

“Monseigneur,” said Cruce, “do not suppose that we mean to take these people for allies!”

“No, I do not suppose so; and that is what disturbs me.”

“And why so, monseigneur?” they asked with surprise.

“Because as soon as there are no longer magistrates in Paris, as soon as there is no longer royalty, or public force, or anything to restrain them, they will begin to pillage your shops while you fight, and your houses while you occupy the Louvre.  Sometimes they will join the Swiss against you, and sometimes you against the Swiss, so that they will always be the strongest.”