Two hours after noon
I was not surprised , nay I had expected this , D'Entragues ' near kinship to the Count of Auvergne and the mingled feelings with which I knew that the family regarded Henry preparing me to imagine treachery . Moreover , the nature of the ambush was proof that its author resided in the neighbourhood and was intimately acquainted with the forest paths . I should have carried this information at once to my master ; but I learned that he had already started , and thus baffled and believing that his affection for Mademoiselle d'Entragues , if not for her sister , would lead him to act with undue leniency , I conceived a plan of my own . Two hours after noon , therefore , I set out , as if for a ride , attended by La Trape only ; but at some distance from the palace we were joined by Boisrosé , whom I had bidden to be at that point well armed and mounted . Thus reinforced -- for the Gascon was still strong , and in courage a very Crillon , I proceeded to Malesherbes by a circuitous route which brought me within sight of the gates about the middle of the afternoon . I then halted under cover of a little wood of chestnuts , and waited until I saw the King , attended by several ladies and gentlemen , and followed by eight troopers , issue from the chateau . His Majesty was walking , his horse being led behind him ; and seeing this I rode out and approached the party as if I had that moment arrived to meet the King .