You agree that you have come here to obey him ?" "Yes, yes," they cried.
"Then, to begin; go quietly out of this hotel to the lodgings prepared for you." "For all ?" asked St.Maline.
"Yes, for all." "We are all equal here," cried Perducas, whose limbs felt rather doubtful under him.
"Yes," replied De Loignac; "all are equal before the will of the master." "Oh!" cried Carmainges, coloring; "I do not know that M.d'Epernon would be called my master." "Wait!" "I did not expect that." "Wait, hot head! I did not tell you who was to be your master." "No; but you said we should have one." "Every one has a master; and if you are too proud to acknowledge him we spoke of, you may look higher; I authorize you." "The king!" murmured Carmainges.
"Silence!" said De Loignac.

"But first will you do me the favor to read aloud this parchment." Ernanton took it and read these words: "Order to M.de Loignac to take the command of the forty-five gentlemen whom I have sent for to Paris with the consent of his majesty.
"NOGARET DE LAVALETTE.
"Duc d'Epernon." They all bowed at this.
"Thus," continued De Loignac, "you have to follow me at once; your equipages and servants will remain here, M.Fournichon will take care of them: we will send for them; but now, be quick! the boats are ready." "The boats!" cried they.
"Certainly; to go to the Louvre, we must go by water." "To the Louvre!" cried they, joyfully.

"Cap de Bious! we are going to the Louvre." De Loignac made them all pass before him, counting them as they went, and then conducted them to the place where three large boats were waiting for them..