I told him that I believed
that information I had received might be relied upon, that King
Louis XVII. had been released from the Temple by true and devoted
servants, and was then in a place of safety. Would you like to know
what reply the count made?"
"I pray you, tell me," responded Louis Charles, with a sigh.
"He answered me, 'I advise you, cousin, not to put any confidence in
such idle stories, and not to be duped by any sly rogues. My
unfortunate little nephew died in the Temple--that is a fact
acknowledged by the republic, universally believed, and denied by no
one. After long sufferings the son has fallen as a new victim to the
bloodthirsty republicans, and we are still wearing mourning for our
deceased nephew, King Louis XVII. And should any wise-head happen on
the thought of making the dead boy come to life again, I will be the
first to disown him and hold him as an impostor.' Those were the
words of the count, and you will now confess that I am right in
calling him your enemy, and in not daring to communicate to him the
secret of your release?"
"I grant you," replied the prince, sadly, "I would rather bury the
secret forever."
"Now, hear me further. A few weeks ago the prince summoned me, and I
saw on his sinister face and in his flashing eyes that he must have
received some unwelcome tidings.
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