The queen perceived this, and when she reflected to whom she could confide the safety of the king and her children, she thought of M.de Fersen--he instantly quitted Stockholm, saw the king and queen, and undertook to prepare for the flight the carriages, which were to meet them at Bondy.

His position as a foreigner favoured his plans, and he combined them with a skill only equalled by his fidelity.

Three soldiers of the body guard, MM.

de Valorg, de Moustier, et de Maldan, were taken into his confidence, and the parts they were to play were fully explained to them; they were to disguise themselves as servants, mount behind the carriages, and protect the royal family at all risks.

The names of three obscure gentlemen effaced that day the names of the courtiers.