Part 50 (1/2)
”Yes, monseigneur; but may we count on your aid?”
”Doubtless, if this plan be approved by my brother and myself.”
”We believe it will.”
”Let me hear it, then.”
The leaguers looked at each other, then Marteau advanced.
”Monseigneur,” said he, ”we think the success of our plan certain.
There are particular points where all the strength of the city lies--the great and the little Chatelet, the Hotel de Ville, the a.r.s.enal and the Louvre.”
”It is true.”
”All these are guarded, but could easily be surprised.”
”I admit this also.”
”The town itself, however, is defended outside, firstly, by the chevalier of the watch with his archers. We thought of seizing him in his house, which could be easily done, as it is a lonely place.”
Mayenne shook his head. ”However lonely,” said he, ”you cannot force a door and fire twenty shots without attracting attention.”
”We have foreseen this objection, but one of the archers of the watch is on our side. In the middle of the night, two or three of us will go and knock at the door; the archer will open, and tell his chief that the king wishes to speak to him, which would not appear strange, as he is often sent for in this manner. Once the door is open, we will introduce ten men--sailors who lodge near--who will soon finish him.”
”Murder him?”
”Yes, monseigneur. At the same time we will force the doors of the other functionaries who might take his place, such as M. d'O, M. de Chiverny, and M. le Procureur Laguesle. St. Bartholomew has taught us how to manage.”
”This is all well, gentlemen; but you have not told me if you mean, at the same time, to force the doors of the Louvre--that strong and well-guarded fortress. Believe me, the king is not so easily taken as the chevalier of the watch.”
”We have chosen four thousand men, who hate the king, for this undertaking.”
”And you think that enough?”
”Doubtless; we shall be ten to one.”
”Why, the Swiss are four thousand strong.”
”Yes, but they are at Lagny, and that is eight leagues from Paris, and supposing they were to send for them, it would take two hours for the messenger to go on horseback, and eight for them to return on foot, so that they would just arrive in time to be stopped at the gates, and in a few hours we should be masters of Paris.”
”Very good; but supposing all this accomplished, the watch disarmed, the authorities disappeared, and all obstacles removed, what do you mean to do?”
”Form a new government of honest people. As for ourselves, so long as our commerce is successful, and we have enough for our wives and children, we care for little else. Some among us might desire a command, and they should have it. We are not difficult to satisfy.”
”I know you are all honest, and would not suffer a mixture in your ranks.”
”No, no!” cried several voices.