We slipped into the street and he fastened the gate quietly.  It was fairly dark now, and being closely muffled in our mantles there was little chance of our being recognized.  Cossein’s soldiers were apparently asleep; no lights gleamed anywhere; the Rue des Fosses de St. Germain was empty.

On approaching nearer the Louvre, however, we observed a body of citizens, armed, and marching with some sort of military discipline.  We had barely time to conceal ourselves in a doorway before they came by, so close to us that we could almost count their numbers.

“What does that mean?” asked my comrade when at last we ventured out again.  “Where are those fellows going?  Edmond, I don’t like the look of that; it is suspicious.”

“On the contrary, it has helped to remove my suspicion,” I answered.  “They are under the provost’s orders, and he would not dare to muster them except by the king’s instructions.”

“From which you think——?”

“That Charles is taking measures in our favour on his own account.”

“I hope you will prove a true prophet, though I do not feel very sanguine.”

The delay caused us to be a trifle late in keeping our appointment, and when we reached the place of meeting no one was to be seen.  For half an hour we walked softly to and fro, keeping in the shadow of the wall, watching keenly, and listening for the sound of a footstep.

It was strange that L’Estang should not be there, and I had a vague, uneasy feeling that it was impossible to banish.  Felix, too, became fidgety, and at last said in a whisper, “Edmond, let us return; there is something wrong, I am sure of it!”

“Nonsense,” I replied, more to keep up my own spirits than for any other reason; “a hundred things may have kept the man from coming.  Besides, what is there to fear?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted, “but I am certain there is mischief afoot.  It may be the darkness and the silence.  Listen!” and he caught me by the arm, “do you hear that?  Horses, Edmond, and horsemen!  Where are they?”

Listening intently I recognized the sounds.  Soldiers were gathering inside the grounds.  Where could they be going at this time?  Once more I slipped back to the little gate, calling softly “D’Angely!” but there was no response.  The adventurer for once had failed me.  I returned to my comrade, who was now trembling with excitement.

“There is some terrible business on hand!” said he.  “What can it mean?”

“Let us wait here; we may discover the secret.”

“Yes,” he answered bitterly, “when it is too late!  We have all been blind fools, Edmond, from Navarre downwards.  Ah, they are coming out—­horse and foot.”

It was too dark for us to distinguish them closely, but we could make out a group of officers riding a little ahead, a number of troopers, and two or three score foot-soldiers.  They proceeded at a walking pace, making scarcely any sound.