I should be mightily content, and I would take an oath never
to wear any other costume ---- "

"Yes, but for to-night's adventure I don't suppose my dress
would have been a very safe one. Give me my felt hat,
Bernouin."

The valet instantly brought to his master a regimental hat
with a wide brim. The cardinal put it on in military style.

"Your horses are ready saddled in their stables, are they
not?" he said, turning to D'Artagnan.

"Yes, my lord."

"Well, let us set out."

"How many men does your eminence wish to escort you?"

"You say that with four men you will undertake to disperse a
hundred low fellows; as it may happen that we shall have to
encounter two hundred, take eight ---- "

"As many as my lord wishes."

"I will follow you. This way -- light us downstairs Bernouin."

The valet held a wax-light; the cardinal took a key from his
bureau and opening the door of a secret stair descended into
the court of the Palais Royal.