"Yes, monseigneur; but may we count on your aid?"

"Doubtless, if this plan be approved by my brother and myself."

"We believe it will."

"Let me hear it, then."

The leaguers looked at each other, then Marteau advanced.

"Monseigneur," said he, "we think the success of our plan certain.
There are particular points where all the strength of the city lies--the
great and the little Chatelet, the Hotel de Ville, the arsenal and the
Louvre."

"It is true."

"All these are guarded, but could easily be surprised."

"I admit this also."

"The town itself, however, is defended outside, firstly, by the
chevalier of the watch with his archers. We thought of seizing him in
his house, which could be easily done, as it is a lonely place."

Mayenne shook his head. "However lonely," said he, "you cannot force a
door and fire twenty shots without attracting attention."

"We have foreseen this objection, but one of the archers of the watch is