my own officers, and with any maitres d'armes in the towns where
I have been, and while in Italy had the opportunity of learning
much, for there are fine fencers there."

"So be it, then," Mazarin said. "But if matters go to extremes,
remember that I consider myself responsible for you. I believe
that you saved my life, and although there are many things that
men say against me, none have ever charged me with ingratitude. If
I can protect you in no other way I shall have you arrested, sent
to the frontier, that is to say, to the sea frontier, and put on
board ship and sent to England or Scotland, as you choose, with
a chest containing a sum that will suffice to purchase any estate
you may choose there.

"I am in earnest," he went on as Hector was about to answer. "It
is for my own sake as much as yours; when my friends are attacked
I am attacked, and I am doubly bound in your case. It needs but a
stroke of my pen to make you a duke and lord of half a province;
and if I cannot do that here, because you would still be within
reach of your enemies, I can, as far as the estates go, do it for
you abroad. Do not fail to let me know each day if anything new
takes place."

Hector felt that there was no more to say, and bowing, left
the cardinal's presence and went out. Paolo and Macpherson were
waiting outside.

"The cardinal's messenger, who brought the news last night that you
would not return, master," the former said when he saw by Hector's
look of surprise that he had not expected to see him there, "said