“Against whom, then?”

“Against you, sire?

’

The aged king rose erect and straight as a young man, —

“Explain yourself, Olivier! And guard your head well, gossip; for I swear to you by the cross of Saint-L� that, if you lie to us at this hour, the sword which severed the head of Monsieur de Luxembourg is not so notched that it cannot yet sever yours!”

The oath was formidable; Louis XI. had only sworn twice in the course of his life by the cross of Saint-L�.

Olivier opened his mouth to reply.

“Sire — “

“On your knees!” interrupted the king violently.