When a Cobbler Ruled a King

ere they could hide over one night,-someone who is at hea

was of a more common type, but was distinguished by kindly blue eyes. They leaned across the table and spoke in low whispers with their heads close together. The little room was otherwise deserted, for Père Lefèvre nodded outside

pped his fingers on the table impatientl

find one in time." Suddenly they were both startled to see the body of a boy wriggle noiselessly from behi

stonishment and alarm. Had their cherished plans then, been overheard by this fierce little Republican who danced th

ce in the tavern. For this I have listened to every word of conversation that men carry on here in low tones, when Père Lefèvre thinks I am asleep. For this opportunity I have prayed,-oh, long, long months! Trust me, gentl

ing that you will be faithful!" he co

ou think you can help us, sinc

the royal ones, and shelter them safely. She has the reputation for being one of

Jean all the details of the plan for the escape of the Queen, her sister and the two children from the

m Jean had overheard. He contrived to be present everywhere, seen nowhere, and had the most trusty agents and spies in his service. He also had many retreats and secure hiding-places in Paris, the principal one being at the house of a grocer named

under the name of Citizen Forget, and thus gain his admission to the Temple Tower. This had already been done, and De Batz, or Forget as he

the staircase of the Tower were to wear long, military capes above their uniforms. When the hour came, late at night, Michonis was to take these capes from some of them, and put them on three royal women. In this disguise the Princesses with guns in their hands, would be incorporated among a patrol

out and make their way unobtrusively to the home of Citizeness Clouet. Here they would rest secure for the night, and in the morning escape in sans-culott

le shiver of distrust, Jean turned round and faced the rat-like eyes of La Souris! He had, however, the presence of mind to appear ve

n spite of his apparent unconcern, his heart misgave him somewhat, for though La Souris said nothing to alarm him, he watched the boy more suspiciously than ever. He hurried home that night

ey had looked behind them, they would have noticed a little, wiry, evil-faced creature skulking around the corner of the building near which they stood. Jean, the lynx-eyed, from his vantage ground in the tavern doorway, caught sight of La Souris' suspicious man?uvr

ar their plans, and Jean hugged himself and chuckled with delight. Night came and all was well. Michonis was at his post in the prisoners' apartments, while his colleagues rested, l

ark and deserted streets nearby. True to appointment, there stood a carriage driven by a liveried coachman. At the whispered word, "De Batz," the man got down, assisted Jean to climb up in his place, promised to be at the same spot two hours hence, and disa

d a little, wizened figure that had something strangely familiar about it, and his heart beat more violently still when he recognised his old enemy, La Souris! Nearer and nearer he drew with his queer, mouse-like manner, peering sharply

d hat that shaded his face, and the scarf that muffled him to

It is engaged f

not take me to th

izen! I'

is did not want a carriage to take him anywhere. But why he should inquire, and how much he suspected, or whether he suspected at all, Jean could not, for the life of him, determine! Another quarter of an hour passed. At last the silence of the night was broken by the stern

ed De Batz. "Dri

manded Jean

t get out of Paris!" and De Batz

he plot had been discovered, and whether this would affect the welfare and safety of all concerned. That La Souris was at the bottom of it, somehow, he had not a doubt. But not

But reason told me that this would, far from mending matters, only serve to incriminate us all. So I managed to keep perfectly calm while the roll was called. Then Simon went upstairs, probably to interview Michonis, and left Cortey in charge of us. While he was gone, Cortey pretended that he heard a disturbance in the street, organised a patrol of eight (including myself), and we came out to investigate it. Thus I escaped. Cortey is a brave man and true! His patrol will number only seven w

nne. Their sorrow at the failure of their hopes was all and more than he had pictured it. But after a while, when they ha

a surpris

about lesser matters. Mère Clouet disappeared into another room for a moment, and returning

tle animal fairly smothered him with caresses, and

ed with the royal ones and were giving us a signal, so I ran to open the door, when there jumped right into my arms this little Moufflet! He was breathless with running a

ss knows! he's had a run, clear from the other side of Paris! It's a wonder he ever found us again! But w

he little fellow could have come

LER TAKE