White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1859-07-07
CHAPTER VIII.
SATAN AT WORK.


Again let us look into the palace of the
Louvre. Catharine de Medicis was in one
of her own apartments, and it was even
ing. The Jesuit, Malgrida, was with her,
and they had been comforting long togeth-
err. The face of the latter was lighted
by an exultant look, and the features of
the Queen bore that same impenetrable
coldneSs that always marked them, save
when moved by passion. Catharine had
sent for her son. and he soon entered
Charles looked more pale than usual, and
his eyes, which were red and sunken,
showed that he had not slept much of
late.
"What is it now, my mother ?" the
young monarch asked, throwing his plu-
med cap upon the floor, and sinking into
a chair.
al have called you upon this business
of the Huguenots. The Nuneio and my
self have been comforting upon the sub
iect"
Then why do you not confer it out %
impatiently exclaimed the King. "By
the holy mass, l want none of this upon
my mind"
"But you must have it there. Your
Catholic subjects are looking towards you
for counsel and assistance. Beware that
you do not disappoint them Young
Guise wM assist you i''
Enough of that" uttered Charles,
starting at his mothers low, meaning
tones. Tell me what you have done in
your conference"
owe have done this: You must at
once issue orders to the inquisitors to have
the leading spirits of the Protestants ar
rested. Let them set their familiars at the
work, and have those put to the torture
who know anything Of the plots that
may be working. think" the Queen
continued, fixing her eyes keenly upon
her son, and speaking very carefully,
that there is a plot on foot among the
Huguenots, for assassinating the King ~
Me?' Assassinating me ?" cried
Charles.
"Aye-for assassinating you. The
Nuncio has been among them, and he has
heard wisperings of such plot"
"Aye," added Malgrida. as the King
instiuctively turned towards him. a.
have heard of such plot. The Hugue-
nots are determined to destroy the whole
royal family
" But who-who meditates this ?"
stammered Charles. affrighted.
81 have heard that the Count de Nor
ronay knew of it, and that also did Sir
John de Hois," answ cred the Jesuit.
"Impossible" uttered the King, up
on my soul, l do not believe those two
brave gentlemen would be guilty of so
foul a crime"
"Try them Try them p cried the
Queen, stamping her foot upon the floor.
put them to the torture, and see if they
will not confess. Surely. you will not
calmly sit down and give up your life"
"No-I will not"
Then seize de Marronay, and John de
Hois, at once. Nip this foul conspiracy
in the bud, or your head may fall ere you
know it."
The young King was now fairly star
tied. Naturally timid of unseen dangers,
he was sorely moved, now, for OF late his
mind had been in anything but an easy
condition.
They shall be arrested at once" he
starring back and bringing his
hands together with vehement emphasis.
"But let it be done secretly" interposd
the Queen. 'Let the inquisitors have the
whole handling of it. and then their ar
rest will not make disturbance among their
friends, for there is need that this matter
should be conductedsas secretly as posi-
bic, in order that we may find out the
whole plot"
at shall be done, mother"
cit must be done. And there is an
other, too, who must keep them company
the Count Philip d. Artoy. He is
at large, for he is one of the
most generally esteemed among the HUI
guenots."
LET it be so. By the powers of hea-
ven, we shall see If the Kings head is
safe %
There is no fear If you are only deter
mined" resumed Cstaarine. "Only Be
a King. aHd you are safe" q