yours have risen. I have been recalled, and De la Barre is in my place.
But there will be a storm there which such a man as he can never stand
against. With the Iroquois all dancing the scalp-dance, and Dongan
behind them in New York to whoop them on, they will need me, and they
will find me waiting when they send. I will see the king now, and try
if I cannot rouse him to play the great monarch there as well as here.
Had I but his power in my hands, I should change the world's history."

"Hush! No treason to the captain of the guard," cried De Catinat,
laughing, while the stern old soldier strode past him into the king's
presence.

A gentleman very richly dressed in black and silver had come up during
this short conversation, and advanced, as the door opened, with the
assured air of a man whose rights are beyond dispute. Captain de
Catinat, however, took a quick step forward, and barred him off from the
door.

"I am very sorry, Monsieur de Vivonne," said he, "but you are forbidden
the presence."

"Forbidden the presence! I? You are mad!" He stepped back with gray
face and staring eyes, one shaking hand half raised in protest,

"I assure you that it is his order."

"But it is incredible. It is a mistake."

"Very possibly."