'
'That should be easy,' I said.
The Cardinal looked at me. 'Chut, man! what do you know about
it?' he answered bluntly. 'It is whispered at Cocheforet if a
soldier crosses the street at Auch. In the house are only two or
three servants, but they have the countryside with them to a man,
and they are a dangerous breed. A spark might kindle a fresh
rising. The arrest, therefore, must be made secretly.'
I bowed.
'One resolute man inside the house,' the Cardinal continued,
thoughtfully glancing at a paper which lay on the table, 'with
the help of two or three servants whom he could summon to his aid
at will, might effect it. The question is, Will you be the man,
my friend?'
I hesitated; then I bowed. What choice had I?
'Nay, nay, speak out!' he said sharply. 'Yes or no, M. de
Berault?'
'Yes, your Eminence,' I said reluctantly. Again, I say, what
choice had I?
'You will bring him to Paris, and alive. He knows things, and
that is why I want him. You understand?'
'I understand, Monseigneur,' I answered.
'You will get into the house as you can,' he continued with
energy.
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