"Do Monsieur and his brother know that the king is here?" inquired the
elder De Ferrier, taking the lead.

"What reason have you to believe," responded Bellenger, "that the Count
de Provence and the Count d'Artois have any interest in this boy?"

Philippe laughed, and kicked the turf.

"We have seen him many a time at Versailles, my friend. You are very
mysterious."

"Have his enemies, or his friends set him free?" demanded the old
Frenchman.

"That," said Bellenger, "I may not tell."

"Does Monsieur know that you are going to take him to America?"

"That I may not tell."

"When do you sail, and in what vessel?"

"These matters, also, I may not tell."

"This man is a kidnapper!" the old noble cried, bringing out his sword
with a hiss. But Philippe held his arm.

"Among things permitted to you," said Philippe, "perhaps you will take
oath the boy is not a Bourbon?"