is he?"

"The Comte de Rochefort."

"The Comte de Rochefort!"

"Unfortunately he has disappeared these four or five years
and I don't know where he is."

"I know, Guitant," said Mazarin.

"Well, then, how is it that your eminence complained just
now of want of information?"

"You think," resumed Mazarin, "that Rochefort ---- "

"He was Cardinal Richelieu's creature, my lord. I warn you,
however, his services will cost you something. The cardinal
was lavish to his underlings."

"Yes, yes, Guitant," said Mazarin; "Richelieu was a great
man, a very great man, but he had that defect. Thanks,
Guitant; I shall benefit by your advice this very evening."

Here they separated and bidding adieu to Guitant in the
court of the Palais Royal, Mazarin approached an officer who
was walking up and down within that inclosure.

It was D'Artagnan, who was waiting for him.