Ernanton took it and read these words:

"Order to M. de Loignac to take the command of the forty-five
gentlemen whom I have sent for to Paris with the consent of his
majesty.

"NOGARET DE LAVALETTE.

"Duc d'Epernon."

They all bowed at this.

"Thus," continued De Loignac, "you have to follow me at once; your
equipages and servants will remain here, M. Fournichon will take care of
them: we will send for them; but now, be quick! the boats are ready."

"The boats!" cried they.

"Certainly; to go to the Louvre, we must go by water."

"To the Louvre!" cried they, joyfully. "Cap de Bious! we are going to
the Louvre."

De Loignac made them all pass before him, counting them as they went,
and then conducted them to the place where three large boats were
waiting for them.