The Black Wolf's Breed

interview with the King. What it was for, or how it might result, I

tch was busy examining passes and requests for admission. Some there were who passed haughtily in without even so much as a glance at the guard or the crowd which parted o

Mouret of

es

shered immediately through the opening ranks of Swi

e character and dress of those present reflected with a chameleon's fidelity the change in His Majesty's habits. Madame sat near the King, working upon a

y men still about him capable of upholding the dignity of the throne. I heard announced, one after the other, Grand Marshal Villars, lately placed in command of all the armies of France; the Duke of Savoy, a famous soldier, but a deserter from the English; the brothe

y great names, and advanced in hesitating fash

ar somewhat from you touching matters in our Province of Louisiana

hat I said I can scarce at this time recollect, but I know I spoke with all a soldier's

towards me from that little group behind the King, but in the

told him all the strength and resources of the colonies, their weakness and their needs. When I t

Louis, his King-for contemplating such a disposition of the coloni

of intelligence. Serigny was right. The spy had already arrived. His eavesdropping news had reached the King. In my indignation

e and Mericourt? Dead, and for the silver lilies! Where's Iberville, the courteous, the brave; he who ravaged the frozen ocean and the tropic seas in his royal master's name? Dead, Sire, of the pestilence in San Domingo. Does the King

the enemy lay dismantled, their hulks afire, their colors struck, their best ships sunk, when the glorious standard of France triumphant dallied with the breeze-who is that dauntless gentleman who kneels upon his battle-riven but victorious deck and sobs aloud in agony above his writhing brother? Who is this stricken gentleman, who, having won that most heroic fight for his King, now prints a kiss, as a tender maiden might, upon the pale lips of a dying lad? Ah, Sire, it was Iberville, it was Iberville, my King, Iberville the gentle, Iberville the true! Hast thou forgotten that wounded lad who lived to serve his King so well on other fields? Dost remember his name? Let me remind you, Sire, that lad was Bienville de la Chaise, your loyal governor

old lad," obs

te at mention of the passage of the Rhine; so, embolde

at they would yet beguile your Majesty to sell your fair Province of Louisiana, and turn the royal barracks into a peddler's shop-mayhap he did use some such hot and thought

he comman

to plant the silver lilies upon the remotest boundaries of the earth, calling it all Louisiana, a mighty continent, without a rival and without a frontier. Ah! Your Majesty has in Bienville a strong heart and a firm hand, a man who pref

Indian attack in the spring, of my own haste to retu

bold, ambitious soldier for your Governor. W

d oppose

man the King of France can trust. Convey to the trusty and well beloved Governor of our Province of Louisiana our

ed his head to signify

aiting me with every appearance of intense impatience. Almost as I rapped he had opened the door himself. The valet had been

n? Tell me,

e King's own warrant that our G

anished, and he laughed

lad; but tell me of

not the minutest detail, not even the blac

he parvenu-Marquis du Chatel, forsooth, w

d what they said. After having heard on to the end he was quit

conferences with the King, we will talk of your next adventure. Time pre

hall I confess it-a trifle ill at ease concerning this bravo, Carne Yvard, the duelist of the iron hand

e Austrian Arms. The host is a surly, close-mouthed churl who will give you little information until he knows you well. Then you may rely upon him. Jerome has been watching our quarry these many weeks; we h

to contemplate, taking alive such a desperado

tern necessity that those papers should reach me unopened. They are

my acqui

acid at the prospect. He told me of the different streets, the

ed his foresight, "do not neglect the women, for

d than on what he was saying. I felt no small degree of

I set out for

ays at anchorage, and we know for a surety that the

bout that I left

ny good-bye in his own rooms. He feared our bein

l to see the sights, understand; a country gentleman-Greville will instruct you, the rascal has naturally a turn for intrigue and masquerading. A dress like yours would mark you apart from the throng and perchance draw up

h insistency that I, seeing the good sense of doing as I was bid, placed them

g, my spirits rose, and I deemed all things possible. Besides, was I no

t treasure-house of varied fortunes whence every man might draw his lot-of poverty or