“It does not help us a bit,” he declared; “it explains nothing.  If L’Estang is a false friend, as I believe, he is merely trying by this note to throw dust into your eyes.  If, on the other hand, he was not a party to the plot, the mystery remains the same.”

“I fear you are right, Jacques.  However, let us not trouble our heads with the riddle; it will solve itself one of these days.  I have other news; can you guess what it is?”

“By your face, monsieur, it should be something pleasant:  the king has signed those tiresome papers!”

“Not exactly right,” I answered laughing, “but I have hope of that happening in time.  We are going to Paris, Jacques.  There is likely to be war with Spain, and I am to receive the king’s commission.  It will be better than fighting against those of our own race and blood; and if we come through the campaign alive, Monsieur Cordel may even cast his eyes on some other person’s estates.”

“When do we start?” asked Jacques eagerly.

“I have a few arrangements to make.  Let us say the day after to-morrow.”

“Very good, monsieur, but it is a long time to wait.”

The lawyer was still absent from his house, but in case any of his spies should carry information, Jacques let it be known the next morning that in a few days we were going to La Rochelle; nor did I give my own servants any different information.

It was a glorious summer morning when we set forth:  the sun shone brightly in a blue sky thinly flaked with snowy clouds; the birds carolled joyously; the green leaves, made brilliant by the sunlight, danced in the gentle breeze; a fresh, sweet smell rose from the fragrant earth.

Many a long day had passed since my heart had felt so light, and as we cantered into the highroad I hummed a gay refrain.  I felt as if this was bound to prove the most successful of our ventures.

I had real hope as a foundation on which to rear my airy castle.  The war of Religion was over and done with; Huguenot and Catholic would stand shoulder to shoulder against the common foe; Monseigneur, the Guises, and all those who were striving for their own interests to embroil the country in civil strife would have to stand aside; France would at length be united, and therefore strong.

My own private fortunes also wore a rosy tint that morning.  Even if the king did not restore my estates at the outset, he would certainly not refuse to do so after I had fought his battles, and perhaps helped to gain his victories!  No, I had not a single fear when I turned to take a last lingering view of the castle of Le Blanc.

As a matter of precaution we rode a few miles in the direction of La Rochelle, but neither Jacques nor I expected that any further attempt would be made upon us in that part of the country.  Cordel was most probably in Paris, and could have no knowledge of our sudden departure from Le Blanc.  In fact we reached Paris without any mishap, save the casting of a horse’s shoe, and the loss of a few hours one night when we went astray in the darkness.