Richelieu, who for some time has suspected that some strange intrigue is going on which he does not know about, orders Widimer to investigate Fleur’s kidnapping. Widimer is astonished because he cannot understand why the cardinal should wish to help his old enemy. Richelieu tells him to stop talking nonsense and to carry out his orders; the interests of France are above any personal rivalry. On their side, the Muskehounds and Pip move heaven and earth to find the trail of the missing Fleur. Naturally, Dogtanian and Juliet are dismayed.