“Do you think I have not my reasons for being tranquil?  You think that I have allowed these poor conspirators to go too far.  No, no!  Here are some little papers that would reassure you, did you know their contents.  First, in this hollow stick is the treaty with Spain, seized at Oleron.  I am well satisfied with Laubardemont; he is an able man.”

The fire of ferocious jealousy sparkled under the thick eyebrows of the monk.

“Ah, Monseigneur,” said he, “you know not from whom he seized it.  He certainly suffered him to die, and in that respect we can not complain, for he was the agent of the conspiracy; but it was his son.”

“Say you the truth?” cried the Cardinal, in a severe tone.  “Yes, for you dare not lie to me.  How knew you this?”

“From his attendants, Monsiegneur.  Here are their reports.  They will testify to them.”

The Cardinal having examined these papers, said: 

“We will employ him once more to try our conspirators, and then you shall do as you like with him.  I give him to you.”

Joseph joyfully pocketed his precious denunciations, and continued: 

“Your Eminence speaks of trying men who are still armed and on horseback.”

“They are not all so.  Read this letter from Monsieur to Chavigny.  He asks for pardon.  He dared not address me the first day, and his prayers rose no higher than the knees of one of my servants.

To M. de Chavigny: 

M. De Chavigny:  Although I believe that you are little satisfied
with me (and in truth you have reason to be dissatisfied), I do not
the less entreat you to endeavor my reconciliation with his
Eminence, and rely for this upon the true love you bear me, and
which, I believe, is greater than your anger.  You know how much I
require to be relieved from the danger I am in.  You have already
twice stood my friend with his Eminence.  I swear to you this shall
be the last time I give you such an employment. 

                                        Gaston D’ORLEANS.

“But the next day he took courage, and sent this to myself,

To his Excellency the Cardinal-Duc: 

My cousin:  This ungrateful M. le Grand is the most guilty man in the
world to have displeased you.  The favors he received from his
Majesty have always made me doubtful of him and his artifices.  For
you, my cousin, I retain my whole esteem.  I am truly repentant at
having again been wanting in the fidelity I owe to my Lord the King,
and I call God to witness the sincerity with which I shall be for
the rest of my life your most faithful friend, with the same
devotion that I am, my cousin, your affectionate cousin,

          
                                            Gaston.

and the third to the King.  His project choked him; he could not keep it down.  But I am not so easily satisfied.  I must have a free and full confession, or I will expel him from the kingdom.  I have written to him this morning.