He then conducted the king to his study, and begged him to be seated.

"Sire," said he, "your majesty just now told me that, in the present state of England, a million would suffice for the recovery of your kingdom." "To attempt it at least, monsieur, and to die as a king if I should not succeed." "Well, then, sire, let your majesty, according to the promise you have made me, have the goodness to listen to what I have to say." Charles made an affirmative sign with his head.

Athos walked straight up to the door, the bolts of which he drew, after looking to see if anybody was near, and then returned.

"Sire," said he, "your majesty has kindly remembered that I lent assistance to the very noble and very unfortunate Charles I., when his executioners conducted him from St.James's to Whitehall." "Yes, certainly, I do remember it, and always shall remember it." "Sire, it is a dismal history to be heard by a son who no doubt has had it related to him many times; and yet I ought to repeat it to your majesty without omitting one detail." "Speak on, monsieur." "When the king your father ascended the scaffold, or rather when he passed from his chamber to the scaffold on a level with his window, everything was prepared for his escape.

The executioner was got out of the way; a hole contrived under the floor of his apartment; I myself was beneath the funeral vault, which I heard all at once creak beneath his feet." "Parry has related to me all these terrible details, monsieur." Athos bowed, and resumed.