CHAPTER XVII.
Free!
On the third night after my visit to the Council Chamber I was awakenedfrom a sound sleep by some one shaking my arm. Looking up and rubbingmy eyes, I beheld the gaoler with a lantern in his hand bending over me.
"Rise, monsieur, and dress quickly," said he.
"Who wants me at this time of night?" I asked.
"I do not know, monsieur. I have my orders, and the soldiers arewaiting at the foot of the stairs. But courage, monsieur!"
The tone in which the man spoke made me shiver. It was plain that heexpected the worst, and I immediately remembered the councillor'sthreats. My heart beat quickly at the thought of the dreaded torturechamber, and my fingers trembled as I fastened my clothes.
"Am I to be put on the rack?" I asked, but the gaoler, shaking his heldslowly, replied that he knew nothing.
"An officer of police brought an order signed by the Governor, but hewould answer no questions. If it should be so, confess everything,monsieur. You are very young, and the rack--ah!"
"Thanks, my friend, though I am sorry your advice will not help me. Ihave already told the truth, and they would not believe it."
"Say what they wish, monsieur! Anything to escape the torture! I havebeen in the chamber once, and it was horrible for a strong man even tolook on. And they are sure to get what they want in the end."
"At all events I will bear up as long as I can!"
"It is useless, monsieur, useless, I assure you," said he, as Ifinished dressing.
We left the room, and, descending the stairway, found the soldiersdrawn up at the bottom.
"Albert de Lalande!" exclaimed their officer, and the next minute I waswalking in the midst of my escort to the court, where a carriage stoodin waiting.
"Enter, monsieur," said the officer, who himself followed, while thetroopers mounted their horses.
I leaned my head against the back of the coach in a state of bothwonder and relief. Whatever else happened it seemed that I was not tobe taken to the torture chamber. The night was dark, but I could tellthat we were leaving the Bastille. Where were we going? I addressedmyself to the officer, but received only a curt "Silence!" in reply.
Did they intend to execute me without further trial? It might beso--more than one prisoner had been hurried from the Bastille in thedarkness for that purpose. Might was right in those days, and justicestood a poor chance of getting itself heard.
I could not discover in what direction we drove, but the journey waslong and apparently roundabout, perhaps in order to avoid attention.The officer sat rigidly upright, with his sword drawn, keeping keenwatch and ward as if I had been a most desperate criminal. There was,however, small chance of escape, even if I could overpower my guard.The soldiers rode on each side of the coach, and I should have been cutdown instantly.
At last the carriage stopped, the officer opened the door and orderedme to descend. We had halted in front of a large building, which atfirst I failed to recognise. Several armed men stood on the top-moststep.
"At least the place isn't a prison!" I concluded, as the officerhurried me to the entrance and along the corridor, while two of thegentlemen in waiting followed close behind.
Nearly at the end, and on our right hand, was a door hung with richtapestry. Pushing the curtains aside, the officer knocked softly, andthen ushered me into a large apartment furnished in the most sumptuousand magnificent manner.
"Albert de Lalande, your Highness!" he announced, and I looked quicklyat the man who stood up to receive me.
This, then, must be the renowned Conde who had restored lustre to theFrench arms, though I held that the country had amply repaid thebrilliant soldier for his skill and valour. I was also one of thosewho believed that winning a battle did not place a man above the laws,nor give him the right to ride rough-shod over his fellows. Still,Conde was a brilliant general, and certainly second to none saveTurenne; while there were not wanting numerous flatterers who rankedthe prince first.
A thin man of average height it was who stood before me; firmly set,well-proportioned and muscular. The Bourbon type was strongly markedin this member of the family--thick lips, large mouth, high andprominent cheek-bones. He possessed a good brow, betokeningintelligence, and sharp, keen, blue eyes that pierced through me.
"Why, monsieur the assassin is scarcely more than a boy!" he exclaimedwith a sneering laugh.
"I am old enough not to be frightened, even by Louis de Bourbon!" saidI, angry at his taunt.
"_Parbleu!_ These are brave words from a prisoner of the Bastille!The Governor feeds you too well! But come, I have several questions toput. Why did you try to kill me?"
"I did not try, your Highness! At the time of the attack I was a mileaway, shut up in a room and well guarded."
"You seem fond of prison," he said, and I felt that he did not believea word of my story.
"I had no choice in the matter, your Highness."
Conde looked me straight in the face, and I met his gaze withoutflinching.
"You look like an honest lad," he exclaimed grudgingly, "but theevidence against you is strong. Come, tell me everything, and I willpromise you a pardon beforehand. Was it Mazarin who urged you on?"
"I have not heard from the Cardinal for months, monsieur. If the plotwas his work, he did not take me into his confidence. But I think,monsieur, that your enemies are nearer home."
"How? No one in Paris but De Retz would plan such a deed."
"The Abbe is a dangerous enemy, your Highness."
"No," said Conde, looking puzzled, "it could not have been De Retz. Heand his henchman, De Lalande--your cousin by the way--were with me fiveminutes after the pistol was fired. I wish you would trust me."
"You will laugh at my suspicions, and the explanation will not benefitme."
"_Ma foi!_ I have learned to consider nothing strange in this citizensquabble. Come, speak as a friend, and I promise on my honour not torepeat your words."
I hardly knew what to do. I had no wish to injure either Henri orPillot, but on the other hand, my own life was in danger, and finally Iresolved to relate the story with as little mention of names aspossible.
Conde listened attentively, stopping me now and then to ask somesearching question, and evidently considerably puzzled by the wholeaffair.
"If this be true," said he at last, "it seems that Mazarin had nothingto do with the plot. But there is one point which still requiresexplanation. If you were not there, how could the mob have followedyou to the house?"
"They did not follow me, but were led by two of my enemies."
"Who were they?"
"One was Baron Maubranne dressed as a charcoal-burner, and him Ikilled."
"Who was the other?"
"M. Peleton, disguised as a mason. He kept out of my way, the coward!"
"_Corbleu!_" exclaimed Conde, laughing, "that showed his discretion.Now, M. de Lalande, I am going to think over this extraordinary story.Meanwhile you must return to the Bastille. It is not exactly apleasant residence, but it is above all things safe. True, theGovernor will keep out your friends, but I will take care that he doesnot admit your enemies. By the way, who is this M. Beauchamp of whomyou have spoken?"
"An officer in the household of the Duke of Orleans."
"Ah, well, I shall be visiting the Luxembourg in a day or two, and Imay meet him."
Summoning the officer, who had remained on guard just inside the door,he directed that I should be driven back to the Bastille without delay;and thus my night adventure ended.
It was early morning when we reached the famous prison, but my gaolerreceived me with a cheerful smile.
"I hope monsieur's journey has proved a pleasant one," said he, for, ofcourse, he had watched the departure of the carriage.
"It has not been amiss," I answered, "and it may help to prove myinnocence. At any rate, it was more agreeable than a visit to thetorture chamber," and I began to undress.
The inte
rview with Conde had raised my spirits, and I felt morecheerful than at any time since my arrest. Although doubtful at first,he was evidently impressed by my story, and for his own sake wouldendeavour to unravel the mystery. I had, however, to exerciseconsiderable patience. Another week passed wearily enough, and duringthe whole of that time no whisper reached me from the outside world. Iwas left entirely to my imagination, and even Gaston of Orleans couldnot have changed his mind as many times as I did during that period.
At one moment I felt sure of freedom; the next I listened to the roarof the hungry mob assembled to witness my execution. I turned hot andcold at every sound; now fancying the gaoler was coming to set me atliberty, again that he was bringing news of my condemnation.
One morning after breakfast I was sitting daydreaming as usual, whenthe door was opened, and the turnkey requested me to finish dressingand follow him.
"What is it now?" I inquired anxiously.
"An order to attend the Council Chamber, monsieur."
"Am I to receive my freedom?"
"I cannot tell, but there are no soldiers below, which is not a badsign."
I knew my way by now, and followed my gaoler briskly down the staircaseto the chamber. The four councillors were there, standing together,and near them was Conde himself.
"Well, M. de Lalande, did you expect to see me again?" he asked.
"I hoped to do so, your Highness."
"Then you do not fear my discoveries? Well, I have inquired into yourstory, and am inclined to believe you spoke the truth. For one thing,M. Peleton has disappeared."
"Then he has received a warning, your Highness."
"That is possible, as he may know too much. Still, without hisevidence I cannot probe to the bottom of this affair. Now I am goingto make you a proposal. If I set you at liberty, will you find this M.Peleton and bring him to me? His arrest is necessary, you understand,in order to clear your own character."
"Then I shall be the more anxious to discover him, your Highness."
"Very well; and remember, it must be done without noise or fuss, byyourself and your friends. If my fresh suspicions are correct, he haspowerful patrons whom I have no desire to ruffle for the present. Soit must be your private affair, and you take all the risks."
"I will do that willingly."
"So I expected," said he, laughing, and at once directed the weazenedcouncillor to make out my paper of discharge. Having fulfilled certainformalities, I was escorted beyond the five gates and set at liberty.
It was strange what an unfamiliar aspect the streets of the city atfirst bore. I stood for a time perplexed by the change from the gloomyBastille, bewildered by the noise of the traffic, and scarcely knowingwhich direction to take. Wandering on aimlessly, I at length foundmyself on the Quai Henry IV., and, keeping steadily along past theHotel de Ville, reached the head of the Pont Neuf. Turning off here, Iwas soon in the familiar net-work of streets near the Palais Royal, andpresently entered the Rue des Catonnes.
My landlord, who would hardly have raised an eyebrow in the midst of anearthquake, made no comment on my long absence, but, merely observingthat monsieur would perhaps like something to eat, disappeared.
Going to my room, I removed my sword, which had been returned to me onleaving the Bastille, and sat down. In a short time my worthy hostbrought some food, for which I was really grateful, and I askedcheerfully if any one had called at the house to inquire for me.
"A soldier of the Queen's Guards who comes every evening, monsieur. Heis a foreigner, I think, he speaks French so badly."
"Ah, an Englishman, a fine fellow, and my very good friend."
"There is also a young cavalier who comes from the Luxembourg toinquire if you have returned. He it was who informed me that monsieurhad gone into the country."
"And they come every evening?"
"Without fail, monsieur."
"Then be sure to send them up the instant they arrive."
About six o'clock, observing Raoul approach the house, I withdrewquickly from the window, so that he might be taken the more completelyby surprise. Suddenly the footsteps ceased, and I heard my friendputting his question to the landlord. The answer was notdistinguishable, but it produced a remarkable effect. There was a rushand a clatter on the stairs, the door of my room was opened quickly,and Raoul threw himself into my arms.
"Albert," he cried, "I began to fear we should never see you again.You are too venturesome, my dear fellow. Listen! What is that? Ah!here is your English friend, and mine, too, now. He is a splendidfellow."
"Back again, my friend!" cried John Humphreys, as he entered the room."You have had a long holiday this time."
"Longer than was agreeable," I answered, laughing, "but sit down andtell me the news; I am dying with curiosity."
"So are we," observed Raoul; "we want to know all that has happened toyou."
"Didn't the story get abroad?"
"Only a little. We heard you were suspected of leading the attack onConde. In fact, there were people who swore they saw you fire, though,naturally, I knew that was rubbish."
"Did you guess the truth?"
"Yes, and told Humphreys here. But I have not cried it from thehousetops."
"You were wise; it is an affair that requires delicate handling," and Irepeated the story of my adventures, from my disappearance to themoment of my being liberated from the Bastille.
"The plot is no mystery to us," said Raoul thoughtfully, "but it willbe difficult to prove. We have not the slightest doubt that yourcousin Henri fired the pistol."
"Is he still in Paris?" I asked curiously.
"Yes, and goes about quite openly with De Retz."
"Why doesn't Conde arrest him?" asked Humphreys, who was not in thehabit of beating about the bush.
"Henri de Lalande has played his game far too cleverly," laughed Raoul,"you may depend that his share in the plot was known only to himselfand De Retz."
"But," said I, "the instructions for trapping me must have been givenby him."
"There you are wrong. The man Francois has been examined, and he knowsnothing of your cousin. He was employed and paid by Peleton, who waswise enough to mention no names."
"Peleton is an arrant coward, and a traitor to boot."
"Just so," said Raoul, "and were he caught the whole secret would belaid bare. But he has vanished."
"And it is my business to find him; I have promised Conde to do so,though without implicating him, and, besides, I want to clear my ownname. Is he likely to have left Paris?"
Raoul went to the door to make sure that no one was listening, andcoming back, said quietly, "I will tell you my idea. Everythingdepends on Peleton, and De Retz is aware that he would betray hisdearest friend for a hundred pistoles. Do you follow me?"
"Perfectly," said I impatiently, "go on."
"As soon as Conde got on the right track, Peleton disappeared and hasnot been seen since. Now if he were a free man, he would long beforethis have made a bargain with Conde in order to preserve his own skin."
"Do you think----" I began in horror, but Raoul interrupted me, saying,"No, no, not as bad as that. I simply mean they are holding him aprisoner till the affair has blown over. De Retz is making a hardfight with Conde, and if the prince is beaten, why, then Peleton cantalk as much as he likes. Of course for your own sake you must try tounearth him, and I will help in the search."
"So will I," exclaimed Humphreys, "though I shall be of little useunless it comes to fighting."
"There may be enough and to spare of that," said Raoul, "if Henri deLalande is the fellow's gaoler. He may be a rogue, but he is afearless one."
Raoul's theory was, certainly, mere guess-work, but the more wediscussed it the more likely it appeared to be correct. Peleton was atricky fellow, and I understood my cousin too well to believe that hewould allow him to be at large.
"If Peleton's hiding-place is to be discovered we must watch Henri," Isuggested at length, and the others agreed
.
"There is one thing I can do," remarked Raoul. "The Duke of Orleanshas command of the gates, and I can request the officers on duty towatch for Peleton. I shall leave Conde's name out, and make it apersonal favour."
"Meanwhile Humphreys and I will take a walk in the neighbourhood ofNotre Dame. We may possibly meet Henri on his way to visit the Abbe."
"Don't run too far into danger; the Abbe's parishioners are not themost gentle of citizens."
The Englishman laughed lightly, and tapped his sword as if to say,"This will prevent them from being too saucy."
We went down into the street, and Raoul, promising to return the nextevening, departed on his errand, while Humphreys and I turned in thedirection of the cathedral. The people, as usual, were in a high stateof excitement, but we met with no adventure worth relating, andunfortunately saw nothing of my cousin.
"Never mind," said Humphreys, "the luck doesn't always come at thefirst throw."
Next morning I paid a hurried visit to the Rue Crillon, where Ireceived a warm greeting from the ladies, who had already heard of myrelease.
"At first the prince thought you were guilty," exclaimed MadameCoutance. "It was stupid of him, but then, appearances were againstyou."
"They certainly were," said I, "and even now there are people whoimagine I had a share in the plot."
"Not those in high quarters. They know the truth, but cannot prove it.By the way, had you come last night you would have met your cousin."
"It is so long since I saw him that he is quite a stranger. Did heinquire for me?"
"Yes," replied Marie, "and he was delighted to learn that you were freeof the Bastille. At least, he said so," and she looked at me with ameaning smile.
It was apparent that both Marie and her aunt guessed the truth, but thesubject was a delicate one, and they did not dwell on it; only, as Iwas leaving, Madame Coutance whispered, "Do not forget that the streetas well as the Bastille has its dangers."
"Thank you for the warning," I answered, "but I shall be more wary infuture."
The rest of the day I spent in prowling about the city, in askingquestions here and there, and in watching sharply for either Pillot ormy cousin, but the search proved fruitless, and towards the end of theafternoon I returned to my rooms, jaded and weary.