Page:The Vicomte de Bragelonne 2.djvu/503

Rh THE VICOMTE DE BRAGELOXNB. 491 "Say -what?" "An evident, palpable, material proof of treason." "And what is that?" "I have just learned that Monsieur Fouquet is fortifying Belle-Isle." "Ah, indeed!" "Yes, sire." "Are you sure?" "Perfectly. Do you know, sire, what soldiers there are at Belle-Isle?" "No, ma foi ! D o y ou ?' * "I am ignorant likewise, sire; I should therefore propose to your majesty to send somebody to Belle-Isle." "Who?" "Me, for instance." "And what would you do at Belle-Isle?" "Inform myself whether, after the example of the ancient feudal lords, Monsieur Fouquet was embattlementing his walls." "And with what purpose could he do that?" "With the purpose of defending himself some day against his king." "But, if it be thus, Monsieur Colbert," said Louis, "we must immediately do as you say. Monsieur Fouquet must be arrested." "That is impossible." "I thought I had already told you, monsieur, that I sup- pressed that word in my service." "The service of your majesty cannot prevent Monsieur Fouquet from being surintendant-general." "Well?" "That, in consequence of holding that post, he has for him all the parliament, as he has all the army by his larges- ses, all literature by his favors, and all the noblesse by his presents." "That is to say, then, that I can do nothing against Mon- sieur Fouquet?" "Absolutely nothing — at least, at present, sire." "You are a sterile counselor, Monsieur Colbert." "Oh, no, sire; for I will not confine myself to pointing out the peril to your majesty." "Come, then, where shall we begin to undermine the Colossus; let Us see;" and his majesty began to laugh with bitterness. "He has grown great by money; kill him by monev, niro,"