but you would naturally wish to see for yourself how matters are
going on."

"It seems more than two years since we left here, master," Paolo
said, as they rode into Paris.

"It does indeed. It is more than six years now since I first rode
away with Turenne, and a month later you entered my service. We
have gone through a good deal together since those days, Paolo."

"Yes, indeed, sir. It was a fortunate day for me when my brother
took me to your quarters."

"It has been quite as fortunate for me, Paolo. I doubt whether I
should ever have proposed undertaking to carry Turenne's message
into the citadel of Turin had I not felt that I could rely upon
you as my companion in the business, and it was that which gave
me my first step. Since then you have always been by my side, and
have more than once saved my life."

On reaching Mazarin's hotel Hector found that he was at the Louvre,
and immediately went there, and as bearer of despatches from the
army was at once introduced to the minister's apartment.

"Come with me at once to the queen's closet," the cardinal said as
he entered. "She has just sent for me, and her majesty, being at
once a woman and a queen, does not like being kept waiting. She
always wishes to receive the first news from the army, therefore
I can venture to take you with me without asking her permission.