“The King of Navarre wishes to learn the truth about the discoveries in Vallemur’s house,” he said.

The room was very crowded, and the nobles were discussing the situation with fierce excitement.

“’Tis no time for playing like children,” De Pilles was saying, “I tell you we are all doomed; this is but the first stroke.  Let us strike back, and strike hard.”

“I would suggest,” said his neighbour, “that we get Coligny safe to Rochelle, and then gather all our forces.”

“We cannot move the Admiral; Pare will not answer for his life if he is moved.”

“My lords,” said Teligny, “I do not think it is necessary.  I am convinced that the king has no hand in this vile outrage, and that if we trust him he will bring the murderer to justice.”

“What!” sneered De Pilles, “execute his own brother!  Or even the Duke of Guise!  You have more faith in Charles than I have!”

“Where are those gentlemen who helped to search the house?” asked Henry.  “Let them stand forward.  Ah, my friend,” catching sight of me, “I have not forgotten your face.  Now let us hear the story, and why the Duke of Guise is suspected in the matter.”

Thereupon I related all that had occurred, and at the conclusion Henry observed gravely, “Truly there is something here for the Duke to explain!”

“Explain, sire!” cried De Pilles scornfully, “how can he explain?  Who here doubts the Duke’s guilt?  Let us kill him and Anjou, I say, or they will kill us.  Put no trust in Charles.  They will drag him into the plot.”

“What would you have us do?” asked Henry; “overthrow the throne?”

“Ay,” answered De Pilles stoutly, “I would clear the kingdom of the whole family.”

I cannot say what further arguments were used, as De Guerchy made a sign for us to withdraw; but presently the meeting broke up, and the cavaliers, mounting their horses, rode away, singing psalms, and vowing to obtain justice.

“De Pilles was right!” exclaimed Felix, as we returned to the ante-chamber; “this means war to the knife, and the sooner our leaders give the word the better.  I am thankful that your sister has left Paris.”

“We owe that to L’Estang I wonder if he had any actual information of what was about to happen?  I have a mind to endeavour to find him this evening; he will probably be at the Louvre.”

“We will go together,” said Felix, and accordingly about seven o’clock, there being nothing for us to do, we set out.

The city was in a state of intense excitement, the streets were thronged, and groups of men were discussing the attempt on the Admiral’s life, and praising those who had directed the plot.

“The king is too weak,” they said, “this Coligny twines him round his finger.  He should listen to Monseigneur and the Duke of Guise; they would make an end of these Huguenots.”

Several times I had to grasp Felix by the arms, and whisper to him to control himself, since a brawl in the streets could end only in his death and mine.  A knowledge of fence is of little service against a mob of ruffians armed with clubs and pikes.