”
The four comrades went out at the back, following Grimaud,
who had already departed with the basket.
The four comrades went out at the back, following Grimaud,
who had already departed with the basket.
Warner - World's Best Literature - v09 - Dra to Eme
”
to you.
## p. 4985 (#153) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4985
« Yes,” said Aramis. «Athos is right. Animadvertuntur in
desertis.
“A desert would have done very well,” replied Porthos; “but
first we should have to find it. ”
« There is no desert where a bird cannot fly overhead, or a
fish jump out of the water, or a rabbit run out of his hole; and
bird, fish, and rabbit have all become spies of the Cardinal.
Much better to go on with our adventure, which we cannot now
give up without dishonor. We have made a bet, and a bet on the
spur of the moment; a bet of which I defy any one to guess
the true meaning. To win it, we must hold the bastion for an
hour. Either they will attack us, or they won't. If we are left
unmolested, we shall have plenty of time to talk without any
one overhearing us, for I will answer for the walls of this bas-
tion having no ears. If they try to dislodge us, we can talk all
the same, and in defending our position shall cover ourselves
with glory. You see that from every point of view we have the
whip hand. ”
“Yes,” said D'Artagnan, “but most certainly we shall attract
some stray bullet. ”
“My good fellow,” remarked Athos, “do you really think that
the enemy's bullets are those we have most cause to fear? ”
"But surely, if we were embarking on such an expedition, we
ought to have brought our muskets ? »
“Porthos, you are a goose! What would be the good of bur-
dening ourselves with anything so useless ? »
"I should hardly think that a heavy musket, a dozen car-
tridges, and a powder flask would be useless when one is in the
presence of an enemy. ”
“Dear me! ” said Athos, "didn't you hear what D'Artagnan
was saying? ”
“What did D'Artagnan say? " asked Porthos.
"He said that during last night's attack eight or ten French-
men were killed, and as many Rochellois. ”
« Well ? »
“Well, hasn't everybody been too busy ever since to think of
stripping the dead bodies ? »
« What then ? »
“What then? Why, we shall find their muskets, their flasks,
and their cartridges, all waiting for us; and instead of four mus-
kets and twelve charges, there will be fifteen pieces and a hun-
dred bullets. ”
## p. 4986 (#154) ###########################################
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ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
((
“O Athos,” exclaimed Aramis, you are a great man! ”
Porthos nodded approval; only D'Artagnan did not seem to
be convinced; and Grimaud appeared to have his doubts, for
seeing they were still making for the bastion (which up to that
moment he had declined to believe), he plucked his master by
the coat.
Where are we going ? ” he asked by a sign.
Athos pointed out the bastion.
"But," objected Grimaud, speaking always in pantomime,
we shall leave our bodies there. ”
Athos raised his hands and eyes to heaven. Grimaud placed
his basket on the ground and sat down, shaking his head.
Athos took a pistol from his belt, looked to see if it was well
primed, cocked it, and approached the barrel to Grimaud's ear.
Grimaud was on his legs again, as if by magic. Athos then
signed to him to take up the basket and go on.
Grimaud obeyed.
When they reached the bastion, the four friends turned round
and beheld over three hundred soldiers assembled at the gate of
the camp; M. De Busigny, the dragoon, the Swiss, and their
silent companion forming a group apart.
Athos removed his hat, put it on the edge of his sword, and
waved it in the air.
The spectators returned his salute and gave a great hurrah,
which penetrated to their ears even at that distance. Then all
four disappeared inside the bastion, where Grimaud had preceded
them.
THE CONSULTATION OF THE MUSKETEERS
From The Three Musketeers)
AS
s Athos had assumed, the bastion was only occupied by a
dozen dead men, French and Rochellois.
"Gentlemen,” said Athos, to whom the command of the
expedition naturally fell, “while Grimaud lays out breakfast, we
will begin by picking up the muskets and cartridges, and of
course there is nothing in this employment to prevent our talking.
Our friends here,” he added, pointing to the dead, "will pay no
attention to us. ”
“But after we have made sure they have nothing in their
pockets, we had better throw them into the trench,” said Porthos,
## p. 4987 (#155) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4987
can
“Yes," replied Athos, that is Grimaud's business. ”
« Well then,” said D'Artagnan, “let Grimaud search them,
and after he has done so, throw them over the wall. ”
“He shall do nothing of the sort,” replied Athos; "we may
find them useful yet. ”
“You are going mad, my good fellow! Of what use
these dead men be ? »
"Don't judge hastily, say the gospel and the Cardinal,” replied
Athos. “How many guns have we got? ”
"Twelve,” said Aramis.
“How many charges ? »
“A hundred. ”
“That will do. Now let us load. ”
They set to work; and as they finished loading the last gun,
Grimaud made a sign that breakfast was ready.
By a gesture Athos replied that they were ready also, ard
then pointed out a pepper-box turret, where Grimaud was to
keep watch. To help him pass the time Athos allowed him to
take some bread, two cutlets, and a bottle of wine.
Now,” said D'Artagnan, that there is no chance of our
being overheard, I hope you will tell us your secret. ”
“I trust, gentlemen, to give you both pleasure and glory at
once," replied Athos. "I have made you take a charming walk,
and now here is an excellent breakfast; while below, as you may
see through the loop-holes, are five hundred persons, who con-
sider us to either lunatics or heroes,— two classes of idiots
who have much in common.
«What is the matter, Grimaud ? As the circumstances are
grave, I will allow you to speak, but be short, I beg. What
is it ? »
"A troop. ”
“How many ? ”.
“Twenty ? ”
« What are they? ”
“Sixteen pioneers, four soldiers. ”
« How far off ? »
«Five hundred paces. ”
Then we have just time to finish this fowl and drink your
health, D'Artagnan. ”
A few minutes later the troop hove in sight, marching along
a narrow trench that connected the bastion and the town.
))
## p. 4988 (#156) ###########################################
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ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
“Bah! ” said Athos. “It was scarcely worth while disturbing
ourselves for a mere handful of rascals armed with pickaxes,
hoes, and shovels. Grimaud had only got to make them a sign
to return whence they came, and I am sure they would have left
us in peace. ”
“I doubt it,” said D'Artagnan, for they are advancing stead.
ily. And besides the sappers, there are four soldiers and a briga-
dier, all armed with muskets. ”
"It is only because they have not seen us,” replied Athos.
Upon my honor,” cried Aramis, "I feel quite ashamed to
fire on poor devils like that. ”
“False priest! ” exclaimed Porthos, “to have pity on heretics. ”
“Aramis is right,” said Athos. "I will warn them. ”
"What on earth are you doing? ” said D'Artagnan. “You will
get yourself shot, my good fellow. ”
But Athos paid no attention to this remark, and mounting
the breach, his hat in one hand and his musket in the other, he
addressed the troop, who were so astonished at this unexpected
apparition that they halted about fifty paces distant. « Gentle-
men,” he said, bowing courteously as he spoke, “I am at this
moment breakfasting with some friends in the shelter of this bas-
tion. As you know, there is nothing so unpleasant as to be dis-
turbed during your meals; therefore we should be greatly obliged
if you would postpone any business you may have here, till we
have finished, or else call again. Unless, indeed, you have the
happy inspiration to quit the side of rebellion, and to drink, with
us, to the health of the King of France. ”
“Do take care, Athos! ” exclaimed D'Artagnan; don't you see
they are aiming at you? ”
"Oh, yes, of course,” said Athos; but they are only civilians,
who don't know how to shoot; and they will never touch me. ”
He had scarcely uttered the words when four muskets fired
simultaneously. The balls fell round Athos, but not one grazed
him.
Four muskets immediately answered, but these were better
directed than the others. Three of the soldiers fell dead, and
one of the sappers was wounded.
"Grimaud, another musket,” said Athos, who was still on
the breach. Grimaud obeyed; a second volley was fired; the
brigadier and two pioneers fell dead, and the rest of the troop
took flight.
## p. 4989 (#157) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4989
.
« Now we must make a sortie,” cried Athos; and the four
comrades dashed out of the fort, picked up the muskets belong-
ing to the dead soldiers, and retreated to the bastion, carrying
the trophies of their victory.
“To arms! ” called Grimaud.
The young men jumped up and ran for their muskets.
This time the advancing troop was composed of twenty or
twenty-five men, but they were no longer sappers, but soldiers
of the garrison.
“Hadn't we better return to the camp ? ” said Porthos. « The
fight is not equal at all. ”
"Impossible, for three reasons,” said Athos. First, because
we haven't finished breakfast; second, because we have several
important things to discuss; and third, because there are still ten
minutes before the hour is up. "
"Well, anyway,” remarked Aramis, “we had better have some
plan of campaign. ”
" It is very simple,” replied Athos. « The moment the enemy
is within reach, we fire. If they still come on, we fire again,
and go on firing as long as our guns are loaded. If any of
them are left, and they try to carry the place by assault, we
will let them get well into the ditch, and then drop on their
heads a piece of the wall, that only keeps poised by a kind of
miracle. ”
"Bravo, cried Porthos. “Athos, you were born to be a gen-
eral; and the Cardinal, who thinks himself a great commander,
is not to be compared to you. ”
“Gentlemen,” replied Athos, (remember, one thing at a time.
Cover your man well. ”
“I have mine,” said D'Artagnan.
"And I,” said Porthos and Aramis.
« Then fire;” and as Athos gave the word, the muskets rang
out and four men fell. Then the drum beat, and the little army
advanced to the charge, while all the while the fire was kept up,
irregularly, but with a sure aim. The Rochellois however did
not flinch, but came on steadily.
When they reached the foot of the bastion, the enemy still
numbered twelve or fifteen. A sharp fire received them, but
they never faltered, and leaping the trench, prepared to scale the
breach.
Now, comrades! » cried Athos. “Let us make an end of
them. To the wall! »
(
## p. 4990 (#158) ###########################################
4990
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
And all four, aided by Grimaud, began to push with their
guns a huge block of wall, which swayed as if with the wind,
and then rolled slowly down into the trench. A horrible cry
was heard, a cloud of dust mounted upwards; and all was silent.
“Have we crushed them all, do you think ? ” asked Athos.
«It looks like it,” answered D'Artagnan.
"No," said Porthos, "for two or three are limping off. ”
Athos looked at his watch.
"Gentlemen,” he said, "an hour has elapsed since we came
here, and we have won our bet. ”
“What is going on in the town ? ” asked Athos.
« It is a call to arms,
They listened, and the sound of a drum reached their ears.
“They must be sending us an entire regiment,” said Athos.
“You don't mean to fight a whole regiment ? ” said Porthos.
“Why not ? ” asked the musketeer. "If we had only had the
sense to bring another dozen bottles, I could make head against
an army! ”
As I live, the drum is coming nearer,” said D'Artagnan.
“Let it,” replied Athos. “It takes a quarter of an hour to
get from here to the town, so it takes a quarter of an hour to
get from the town here. That is more than enough time for us
to arrange our plans. If we leave this, we shall never find such
a good position.
But I must first give Grimaud his
orders; and Athos made a sign to his servant.
Grimaud,” said he, pointing to the dead who were lying on
the bastion, you will take these gentlemen and prop them up
against the wall, and put their hats on their heads and their guns
in their hands. "
“Great man! ” ejaculated D'Artagnan; "I begin to see. '
« You do ? » asked Porthos.
"Do you understand, Grimaud ? ” said Aramis.
Grimaud nodded.
“Then we are all right,” said Athos.
«On guard! ” cried D'Artagnan. Look at those red and
black points moving down there! A regiment, did you call it,
Athos ? — it is a perfect army! ”
“My word, yes! ” said Athos, “there they come! How cunning
to beat neither drums nor trumpets. Are you ready, Grimaud ? ”
Grimaud silently nodded, and showed them a dozen dead men,
arranged skillfully in various attitudes, some porting arms, some
taking aim, others drawing their swords.
(
## p. 4991 (#159) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4991
« Well done! ” exclaimed Athos, “it does honor to your imagi-
nation. ”
“If it is all the same to you,” said Porthos, “I should like to
understand what is going on. ”
«Let us get away first,” replied D'Artagnan, and you will
understand after. ”
"One moinent, please! Give Grimaud time to clear away the
breakfast. ”
“Ah! ” said Aramis; "the red and black specks are becoming
more distinct, and I agree with D'Artagnan that we have no time
to lose before we regain the camp. ”
“Very well,” rejoined Athos, “I have nothing to say against
retreating. The wager was for an hour, and we have been here
an hour and a half. Let us be off at once.
”
The four comrades went out at the back, following Grimaud,
who had already departed with the basket.
"Oh! ” cried Athos, stopping suddenly, “what the devil is to
be done ? »
"Has anything been forgotten ? ” asked Aramis.
“Our flag, man, our flag! We can't leave our flag in the
enemy's hands, if it is nothing but a napkin. ” And Athos dashed
again into the bastion, and bore away the flag unhurt, amid a
volley of balls from the Rochellois.
He waved his flag, while turning his back on the troops of
the town, and saluting those of the camp. From both sides arose
great cries, of anger on the one hand and enthusiasm on the
other, and the napkin, pierced with three bullet-holes, was in
truth transformed into a flag. “Come down, come down! they
shouted from the camp.
Athos came down, and his friends, who had awaited him
anxiously, received him with joy.
"Be quick, Athos,” said D'Artagnan; “now that we have got
everything but money, it would be stupid to get killed. ”
But Athos would not hurry himself, and they had to keep
pace with him.
By this time Grimaud and his basket were well beyond bullet
range, while in the distance the sounds of rapid firing might be
heard.
“What are they doing? ” asked Porthos; «what are they
firing at? ”
“At our dead men,” replied Athos.
## p. 4992 (#160) ###########################################
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ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
"But they don't fire back. ”
“Exactly so; therefore the enemy will come to the conclusion
that there is an ambuscade. They will hold a council, and send
an envoy with a flag of truce, and when they at last find out the
joke, we shall be out of reach. So it is no use getting apoplexy
by racing. ”
“Oh, I understand,” said Porthos, full of astonishment.
« That is a mercy! ” replied Athos, shrugging his shoulders, as
they approached the camp, which was watching their progress in
a ferment of admiration.
This time a new fusillade was begun, and the balls whistled
close to the heads of the four victors and fell about their ears.
The Rochellois had entered the bastion.
“What bad shooting! ” said D'Artagnan. "How many was it
we killed ? Twelve ? ”
« Twelve or fifteen. ”
“And how many did we crush ? ”
"Eight or ten. ”
“And not a scratch to show for it. ”
“Ah, what is that on your hand, D'Artagnan ? It looks to me
like blood. ”
« It's nothing,” replied D'Artagnan.
"A spent ball ? ”
“Not even that. ”
“But what is it, then ? ” As we have said, the silent and reso-
lute Athos loved D'Artagnan like his own son, and showed every
now and then all the anxiety of a father.
« The skin is rubbed off, that is all,” said D'Artagnan. “My
fingers were caught between two stones the stone of the wall
and the stone of my ring. ”
« That is what comes of having diamonds,” remarked Athos
disdainfully.
“Here we are at the camp, and they are coming to meet us
and bring us in triumphantly. ”
And he only spoke the truth, for the whole camp was in a
turmoil. More than two thousand people had gazed, as at a play,
at the lucky bit of braggadocio of the four friends,— braggadocio
of which they were far from suspecting the real motive. The
cry of “Long live the musketeers," resounded on all sides, and
M. De Busigny was the first to hold out his hand to Athos and
to declare that he had lost his wager. The dragoon and the
## p. 4993 (#161) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4993
Swiss had followed him, and all the others had followed the
dragoon and the Swiss. There was nothing but congratulations,
hand-shakings, embraces; and the tumult became so great that
the Cardinal thought there must be a revolt, and sent La Hou-
dinière, his captain of guards, to find out what was the matter.
« Well ? » asked the Cardinal, as his messenger returned.
“Well, monseigneur,” replied La Houdinière, it is about
three musketeers and a guardsman who made a bet with M. De
Busigny to go and breakfast at the Bastion Saint-Gervais, and
while breakfasting, held it for two hours against the enemy, and
killed I don't know how many Rochellois. ”
«You asked the names of these gentlemen ? ”
“Yes, monseigneur. ”
«What are they? ”
"Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. ”
"Always my three heroes,” murmured the Cardinal. “And
the guardsman ? ”
«M. D'Artagnan. ”
Always my young rogue! I must gain over these men. ”
And the same evening, the Cardinal had a conversation with
M. De Treville about the morning's exploit, with which the whole
camp was still ringing. M. De Treville, who had heard it all
at first hand, gave his Eminence all the details, not forgetting
the episode of the napkin.
“Very good, M. De Treville,” said the Cardinal; “but you
must get me that napkin, and I will have three golden lilies em-
broidered on it, and give as a banner to your company. "
"Monseigneur," replied M. De Treville, «that would be an
injustice to the guards. M. D'Artagnan does not belong to me,
but to M. Des Essarts. ”
« Then you must take him," said the Cardinal. “As these
four brave soldiers love each other so much, they ought certainly
to be in the same regiment. ”
That evening M. De Treville announced the good news to the
three musketeers and to D'Artagnan, and invited them all to
breakfast the following day.
D'Artagnan was nearly beside himself with joy. As we know,
it had been the dream of his life to be a musketeer.
IX-313
## p. 4994 (#162) ###########################################
4994
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK
From «The Viscount of Bragelonne)
[Dumas adopts the theory that the Man in the Iron Mask was the sup
pressed twin brother of Louis XIV. ]
*W**
HAT is all this noise ? ” asked Philippe, turning towards
the door of the concealed staircase. And as he spoke
a voice was heard saying, “This way, this way.
Still a
few steps, sire. "
“It is M. Fouquet's voice,” said D'Artagnan, who was stand-
ing near the Queen Mother.
“Then M. D'Herblay will not be far off,” added Philippe;
but little did he expect to see the person who actually entered.
All eyes were riveted on the door, from which the voice of
M. Fouquet proceeded; but it was not he who came through.
A cry of anguish rang through the room, breaking forth
simultaneously from the King and the spectators, and surely
never had been seen a stranger sight.
The shutters were half closed, and only a feeble light strug-
gled through the velvet curtains, with their thick silk linings,
and the eyes of the courtiers had to get accustomed to the dark-
ness before they could distinguish between the surrounding ob-
jects. But once discerned, they stood out as clear as day.
So, looking up, they saw Louis XIV. in the doorway of the
private stair, his face pale and his brows bent; and behind him
stood Fouquet.
The Queen Mother, whose hand held that of Philippe, uttered
a shriek at the sight, thinking that she beheld a ghost.
Monsieur staggered for a moment and turned away his head,
looking from the King who was facing him to the King who was
by his side.
Madame on the contrary stepped forward, thinking it must
be her brother-in-law reflected in a mirror. And indeed, this
seemed the only rational explanation of the double image.
Both young men, agitated and trembling, clenching their
hands, darting flames of fury from their eyes, dumb, breathless,
ready to spring at each other's throats, resembled each other so
exactly in feature, figure, and even, by pure accident, in dress,
that Anne of Austria herself stood confounded. For as yet the
truth had not dawned on her. There are some torments that we
## p. 4995 (#163) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4995
all instinctively reject. It is easier far to accept the supernatu-
ral, the impossible.
That he should encounter such obstacles had never for one
moment occurred to Louis. He imagined he had only to show
himself, for the world to fall at his feet. The Sun-king could
have no rival; and where his rays did not fall, there must be
darkness -
As to Fouquet, who could describe his bewilderment at the
sight of the living portrait of his master? Then he thought
that Aramis was right, and that the new-comer was every whit
as much a king as his double, and that after all, perhaps he
had made a mistake when he had declined to share in the coup
d'état so cleverly plotted by the General of the Jesuits.
And then, it was equally the blood royal of Louis XIII, that
Fouquet had determined to sacrifice to blood in all respects iden-
tical; a' noble ambition, to one that was selfish. And it was the
mere aspect of the pretender which showed him all these things.
D'Artagnan, leaning against the wall and facing Fouquet, was
debating in his own mind the key to this wonderful riddle. He
felt instinctively, though he could not have told why, that in
the meeting of the two Louis XIV. s lay the explanation of all
that had seemed suspicious in the conduct of Aramis during the
last few days.
Suddenly Louis XIV. , by nature the most impatient of the
two young men, and with the habit of command that was the
result of training, strode across the room and flung open one of
the shutters. The flood of light that streamed through the win-
dow caused Philippe involuntarily to recoil, and to step back
into the shelter of an alcove.
The movement struck Louis, and turning to the Queen he said:
Mother, do you not know your own son, although every one
else has denied his King ? ”
Anne trembled at his voice and raised her arms to heaven,
but could not utter a single word.
« Mother,” retorted Philippe in his quietest tones,“ do you
not know your own son ? ”
And this time it was Louis who stepped back.
As for Anne, pierced to the heart with grief and remorse,
she could bear it no longer. She staggered where she stood, and
unaided by her attendants, who seemed turned into stone, she
sank down on a sofa with a sigh.
CC
## p. 4996 (#164) ###########################################
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ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
This spectacle was too much for Louis. He rushed to D'Ar-
tagnan, whose brain was going round with bewilderment, and who
clung to the door as his last hope.
“To me, musketeer! Look us both in the face, and see
which is the paler, he or I. ”
The cry awoke D'Artagnan from his stupor, and struck the
chord of obedience strong in the bosom of every soldier. He
lifted his head, and striding straight up to Philippe laid his hand
on his shoulder, saying quietly:-
"Monsieur, you are my prisoner. "
Philippe remained absolutely still, as if nailed to the floor,
his eyes fixed despairingly on the King who was his brother.
His silence reproached him as no words could have done, with
the bitterness of the past and the tortures of the future.
And the King understood, and his soul sank within him. His
eyes fell, and drawing his brother and sister-in-law with him, he
hastily quitted the room; forgetting in his agitation even his
mother, lying motionless on the couch beside him, not three
paces from the son whom for the second time she was allowing
to be condemned to a death in life.
Philippe drew near to her, and said softly:-
“If you had not been my mother, madame, I must have
cursed you for the misery you have caused me. ”
D'Artagnan overheard, and a shiver of pity passed through
him. He bowed respectfully to the young prince, and said:-
“Forgive me, monseigneur; I am only a soldier, and my faith
is due to him who has left us. ”
“Thank you, M. D'Artagnan. But what has become of M.
D'Herblay ? ”
“M. D’Herblay is safe, monseigneur,” answered a voice behind
them; "and while I am alive and free, not a hair of his head
shall be hurt. ”
“M. Fouquet! ” said the prince, smiling sadly.
“Forgive me, monseigneur,” cried Fouquet, falling on his
knees; but he who has left the room was my guest. ”
«Ah! ” murmured Philippe to himself with a sigh, "you are
loyal friends and true hearts. You make me regret the world I
am leaving. M. D'Artagnan, I will follow you. ”
As he spoke, Colbert entered and handed to the captain of
the musketeers an order from the King; then bowed, and went
out.
## p. 4997 (#165) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4997
D'Artagnan glanced at the paper, and in a sudden burst of
wrath crumpled it in his hand.
“What is the matter ? ” asked the prince.
“Read it, monseigneur,” answered the musketeer.
And Philippe read these words, written hastily by the King
himself:
«M. D'Artagnan will conduct the prisoner to the Îles Sainte-
Marguerite. He will see that his face is covered with an iron
mask, which must never be lifted on pain of death. ”
«It is just,” said Philippe; “I am ready. ”
“Aramis was right,” whispered Fouquet to D'Artagnan, “this
is as good a king as the other. ”
"Better," replied D'Artagnan; "he only needed you and me. ”
A TRICK IS PLAYED ON HENRY III. BY AID OF CHICOT
From "The Lady of Monsoreau)
T.
He King and Chicot remained quiet and silent for the next
ten minutes. Then suddenly the King sat up, and the
noise he made roused Chicot, who was just dropping off to
sleep.
The two looked at each other with sparkling eyes.
< What is it? » asked Chicot in a low voice.
“Do you hear that sighing sound ? ” replied the King in a
lower voice still. « Listen! »
As he spoke, one of the wax candles in the hand of the
golden satyr went out; then a second, then a third. After a
moment, the fourth went out also.
Oh, oh! ” cried Chicot, “that is more than a sighing sound. ”
But he had hardly uttered the last word when in its turn the
lamp was extinguished, and the room was in darkness, save for
the flickering glow of the dying embers.
“Look out! » exclaimed Chicot, jumping up.
«He is going to speak," said the King, shrinking back into
his bed.
« Then listen and let us hear what he says,” replied Chicot,
and at the same instant a voice which sounded at once both
piercing and hollow, proceeded from the space between the bed
and the wall.
(c
## p. 4998 (#166) ###########################################
4998
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
“Hardened sinner, are you there? ”
“Yes, yes, Lord,” gasped Henri with chattering teeth.
“Dear me! ” remarked Chicot, “that is a very hoarse voice
to have come from heaven! I feel dreadfully frightened; but
never mind! »
“Do you hear me ? » asked the voice.
“Yes, Lord,” stammered Henri; and I bow before your
anger. ”
“Do you think you are carrying out my will by performing
all the mummeries you have taken part in to-day, while your
heart is full of the things of this world?
“Well said!
to you.
## p. 4985 (#153) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4985
« Yes,” said Aramis. «Athos is right. Animadvertuntur in
desertis.
“A desert would have done very well,” replied Porthos; “but
first we should have to find it. ”
« There is no desert where a bird cannot fly overhead, or a
fish jump out of the water, or a rabbit run out of his hole; and
bird, fish, and rabbit have all become spies of the Cardinal.
Much better to go on with our adventure, which we cannot now
give up without dishonor. We have made a bet, and a bet on the
spur of the moment; a bet of which I defy any one to guess
the true meaning. To win it, we must hold the bastion for an
hour. Either they will attack us, or they won't. If we are left
unmolested, we shall have plenty of time to talk without any
one overhearing us, for I will answer for the walls of this bas-
tion having no ears. If they try to dislodge us, we can talk all
the same, and in defending our position shall cover ourselves
with glory. You see that from every point of view we have the
whip hand. ”
“Yes,” said D'Artagnan, “but most certainly we shall attract
some stray bullet. ”
“My good fellow,” remarked Athos, “do you really think that
the enemy's bullets are those we have most cause to fear? ”
"But surely, if we were embarking on such an expedition, we
ought to have brought our muskets ? »
“Porthos, you are a goose! What would be the good of bur-
dening ourselves with anything so useless ? »
"I should hardly think that a heavy musket, a dozen car-
tridges, and a powder flask would be useless when one is in the
presence of an enemy. ”
“Dear me! ” said Athos, "didn't you hear what D'Artagnan
was saying? ”
“What did D'Artagnan say? " asked Porthos.
"He said that during last night's attack eight or ten French-
men were killed, and as many Rochellois. ”
« Well ? »
“Well, hasn't everybody been too busy ever since to think of
stripping the dead bodies ? »
« What then ? »
“What then? Why, we shall find their muskets, their flasks,
and their cartridges, all waiting for us; and instead of four mus-
kets and twelve charges, there will be fifteen pieces and a hun-
dred bullets. ”
## p. 4986 (#154) ###########################################
4986
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
((
“O Athos,” exclaimed Aramis, you are a great man! ”
Porthos nodded approval; only D'Artagnan did not seem to
be convinced; and Grimaud appeared to have his doubts, for
seeing they were still making for the bastion (which up to that
moment he had declined to believe), he plucked his master by
the coat.
Where are we going ? ” he asked by a sign.
Athos pointed out the bastion.
"But," objected Grimaud, speaking always in pantomime,
we shall leave our bodies there. ”
Athos raised his hands and eyes to heaven. Grimaud placed
his basket on the ground and sat down, shaking his head.
Athos took a pistol from his belt, looked to see if it was well
primed, cocked it, and approached the barrel to Grimaud's ear.
Grimaud was on his legs again, as if by magic. Athos then
signed to him to take up the basket and go on.
Grimaud obeyed.
When they reached the bastion, the four friends turned round
and beheld over three hundred soldiers assembled at the gate of
the camp; M. De Busigny, the dragoon, the Swiss, and their
silent companion forming a group apart.
Athos removed his hat, put it on the edge of his sword, and
waved it in the air.
The spectators returned his salute and gave a great hurrah,
which penetrated to their ears even at that distance. Then all
four disappeared inside the bastion, where Grimaud had preceded
them.
THE CONSULTATION OF THE MUSKETEERS
From The Three Musketeers)
AS
s Athos had assumed, the bastion was only occupied by a
dozen dead men, French and Rochellois.
"Gentlemen,” said Athos, to whom the command of the
expedition naturally fell, “while Grimaud lays out breakfast, we
will begin by picking up the muskets and cartridges, and of
course there is nothing in this employment to prevent our talking.
Our friends here,” he added, pointing to the dead, "will pay no
attention to us. ”
“But after we have made sure they have nothing in their
pockets, we had better throw them into the trench,” said Porthos,
## p. 4987 (#155) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4987
can
“Yes," replied Athos, that is Grimaud's business. ”
« Well then,” said D'Artagnan, “let Grimaud search them,
and after he has done so, throw them over the wall. ”
“He shall do nothing of the sort,” replied Athos; "we may
find them useful yet. ”
“You are going mad, my good fellow! Of what use
these dead men be ? »
"Don't judge hastily, say the gospel and the Cardinal,” replied
Athos. “How many guns have we got? ”
"Twelve,” said Aramis.
“How many charges ? »
“A hundred. ”
“That will do. Now let us load. ”
They set to work; and as they finished loading the last gun,
Grimaud made a sign that breakfast was ready.
By a gesture Athos replied that they were ready also, ard
then pointed out a pepper-box turret, where Grimaud was to
keep watch. To help him pass the time Athos allowed him to
take some bread, two cutlets, and a bottle of wine.
Now,” said D'Artagnan, that there is no chance of our
being overheard, I hope you will tell us your secret. ”
“I trust, gentlemen, to give you both pleasure and glory at
once," replied Athos. "I have made you take a charming walk,
and now here is an excellent breakfast; while below, as you may
see through the loop-holes, are five hundred persons, who con-
sider us to either lunatics or heroes,— two classes of idiots
who have much in common.
«What is the matter, Grimaud ? As the circumstances are
grave, I will allow you to speak, but be short, I beg. What
is it ? »
"A troop. ”
“How many ? ”.
“Twenty ? ”
« What are they? ”
“Sixteen pioneers, four soldiers. ”
« How far off ? »
«Five hundred paces. ”
Then we have just time to finish this fowl and drink your
health, D'Artagnan. ”
A few minutes later the troop hove in sight, marching along
a narrow trench that connected the bastion and the town.
))
## p. 4988 (#156) ###########################################
4988
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
“Bah! ” said Athos. “It was scarcely worth while disturbing
ourselves for a mere handful of rascals armed with pickaxes,
hoes, and shovels. Grimaud had only got to make them a sign
to return whence they came, and I am sure they would have left
us in peace. ”
“I doubt it,” said D'Artagnan, for they are advancing stead.
ily. And besides the sappers, there are four soldiers and a briga-
dier, all armed with muskets. ”
"It is only because they have not seen us,” replied Athos.
Upon my honor,” cried Aramis, "I feel quite ashamed to
fire on poor devils like that. ”
“False priest! ” exclaimed Porthos, “to have pity on heretics. ”
“Aramis is right,” said Athos. "I will warn them. ”
"What on earth are you doing? ” said D'Artagnan. “You will
get yourself shot, my good fellow. ”
But Athos paid no attention to this remark, and mounting
the breach, his hat in one hand and his musket in the other, he
addressed the troop, who were so astonished at this unexpected
apparition that they halted about fifty paces distant. « Gentle-
men,” he said, bowing courteously as he spoke, “I am at this
moment breakfasting with some friends in the shelter of this bas-
tion. As you know, there is nothing so unpleasant as to be dis-
turbed during your meals; therefore we should be greatly obliged
if you would postpone any business you may have here, till we
have finished, or else call again. Unless, indeed, you have the
happy inspiration to quit the side of rebellion, and to drink, with
us, to the health of the King of France. ”
“Do take care, Athos! ” exclaimed D'Artagnan; don't you see
they are aiming at you? ”
"Oh, yes, of course,” said Athos; but they are only civilians,
who don't know how to shoot; and they will never touch me. ”
He had scarcely uttered the words when four muskets fired
simultaneously. The balls fell round Athos, but not one grazed
him.
Four muskets immediately answered, but these were better
directed than the others. Three of the soldiers fell dead, and
one of the sappers was wounded.
"Grimaud, another musket,” said Athos, who was still on
the breach. Grimaud obeyed; a second volley was fired; the
brigadier and two pioneers fell dead, and the rest of the troop
took flight.
## p. 4989 (#157) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4989
.
« Now we must make a sortie,” cried Athos; and the four
comrades dashed out of the fort, picked up the muskets belong-
ing to the dead soldiers, and retreated to the bastion, carrying
the trophies of their victory.
“To arms! ” called Grimaud.
The young men jumped up and ran for their muskets.
This time the advancing troop was composed of twenty or
twenty-five men, but they were no longer sappers, but soldiers
of the garrison.
“Hadn't we better return to the camp ? ” said Porthos. « The
fight is not equal at all. ”
"Impossible, for three reasons,” said Athos. First, because
we haven't finished breakfast; second, because we have several
important things to discuss; and third, because there are still ten
minutes before the hour is up. "
"Well, anyway,” remarked Aramis, “we had better have some
plan of campaign. ”
" It is very simple,” replied Athos. « The moment the enemy
is within reach, we fire. If they still come on, we fire again,
and go on firing as long as our guns are loaded. If any of
them are left, and they try to carry the place by assault, we
will let them get well into the ditch, and then drop on their
heads a piece of the wall, that only keeps poised by a kind of
miracle. ”
"Bravo, cried Porthos. “Athos, you were born to be a gen-
eral; and the Cardinal, who thinks himself a great commander,
is not to be compared to you. ”
“Gentlemen,” replied Athos, (remember, one thing at a time.
Cover your man well. ”
“I have mine,” said D'Artagnan.
"And I,” said Porthos and Aramis.
« Then fire;” and as Athos gave the word, the muskets rang
out and four men fell. Then the drum beat, and the little army
advanced to the charge, while all the while the fire was kept up,
irregularly, but with a sure aim. The Rochellois however did
not flinch, but came on steadily.
When they reached the foot of the bastion, the enemy still
numbered twelve or fifteen. A sharp fire received them, but
they never faltered, and leaping the trench, prepared to scale the
breach.
Now, comrades! » cried Athos. “Let us make an end of
them. To the wall! »
(
## p. 4990 (#158) ###########################################
4990
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
And all four, aided by Grimaud, began to push with their
guns a huge block of wall, which swayed as if with the wind,
and then rolled slowly down into the trench. A horrible cry
was heard, a cloud of dust mounted upwards; and all was silent.
“Have we crushed them all, do you think ? ” asked Athos.
«It looks like it,” answered D'Artagnan.
"No," said Porthos, "for two or three are limping off. ”
Athos looked at his watch.
"Gentlemen,” he said, "an hour has elapsed since we came
here, and we have won our bet. ”
“What is going on in the town ? ” asked Athos.
« It is a call to arms,
They listened, and the sound of a drum reached their ears.
“They must be sending us an entire regiment,” said Athos.
“You don't mean to fight a whole regiment ? ” said Porthos.
“Why not ? ” asked the musketeer. "If we had only had the
sense to bring another dozen bottles, I could make head against
an army! ”
As I live, the drum is coming nearer,” said D'Artagnan.
“Let it,” replied Athos. “It takes a quarter of an hour to
get from here to the town, so it takes a quarter of an hour to
get from the town here. That is more than enough time for us
to arrange our plans. If we leave this, we shall never find such
a good position.
But I must first give Grimaud his
orders; and Athos made a sign to his servant.
Grimaud,” said he, pointing to the dead who were lying on
the bastion, you will take these gentlemen and prop them up
against the wall, and put their hats on their heads and their guns
in their hands. "
“Great man! ” ejaculated D'Artagnan; "I begin to see. '
« You do ? » asked Porthos.
"Do you understand, Grimaud ? ” said Aramis.
Grimaud nodded.
“Then we are all right,” said Athos.
«On guard! ” cried D'Artagnan. Look at those red and
black points moving down there! A regiment, did you call it,
Athos ? — it is a perfect army! ”
“My word, yes! ” said Athos, “there they come! How cunning
to beat neither drums nor trumpets. Are you ready, Grimaud ? ”
Grimaud silently nodded, and showed them a dozen dead men,
arranged skillfully in various attitudes, some porting arms, some
taking aim, others drawing their swords.
(
## p. 4991 (#159) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4991
« Well done! ” exclaimed Athos, “it does honor to your imagi-
nation. ”
“If it is all the same to you,” said Porthos, “I should like to
understand what is going on. ”
«Let us get away first,” replied D'Artagnan, and you will
understand after. ”
"One moinent, please! Give Grimaud time to clear away the
breakfast. ”
“Ah! ” said Aramis; "the red and black specks are becoming
more distinct, and I agree with D'Artagnan that we have no time
to lose before we regain the camp. ”
“Very well,” rejoined Athos, “I have nothing to say against
retreating. The wager was for an hour, and we have been here
an hour and a half. Let us be off at once.
”
The four comrades went out at the back, following Grimaud,
who had already departed with the basket.
"Oh! ” cried Athos, stopping suddenly, “what the devil is to
be done ? »
"Has anything been forgotten ? ” asked Aramis.
“Our flag, man, our flag! We can't leave our flag in the
enemy's hands, if it is nothing but a napkin. ” And Athos dashed
again into the bastion, and bore away the flag unhurt, amid a
volley of balls from the Rochellois.
He waved his flag, while turning his back on the troops of
the town, and saluting those of the camp. From both sides arose
great cries, of anger on the one hand and enthusiasm on the
other, and the napkin, pierced with three bullet-holes, was in
truth transformed into a flag. “Come down, come down! they
shouted from the camp.
Athos came down, and his friends, who had awaited him
anxiously, received him with joy.
"Be quick, Athos,” said D'Artagnan; “now that we have got
everything but money, it would be stupid to get killed. ”
But Athos would not hurry himself, and they had to keep
pace with him.
By this time Grimaud and his basket were well beyond bullet
range, while in the distance the sounds of rapid firing might be
heard.
“What are they doing? ” asked Porthos; «what are they
firing at? ”
“At our dead men,” replied Athos.
## p. 4992 (#160) ###########################################
4992
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
"But they don't fire back. ”
“Exactly so; therefore the enemy will come to the conclusion
that there is an ambuscade. They will hold a council, and send
an envoy with a flag of truce, and when they at last find out the
joke, we shall be out of reach. So it is no use getting apoplexy
by racing. ”
“Oh, I understand,” said Porthos, full of astonishment.
« That is a mercy! ” replied Athos, shrugging his shoulders, as
they approached the camp, which was watching their progress in
a ferment of admiration.
This time a new fusillade was begun, and the balls whistled
close to the heads of the four victors and fell about their ears.
The Rochellois had entered the bastion.
“What bad shooting! ” said D'Artagnan. "How many was it
we killed ? Twelve ? ”
« Twelve or fifteen. ”
“And how many did we crush ? ”
"Eight or ten. ”
“And not a scratch to show for it. ”
“Ah, what is that on your hand, D'Artagnan ? It looks to me
like blood. ”
« It's nothing,” replied D'Artagnan.
"A spent ball ? ”
“Not even that. ”
“But what is it, then ? ” As we have said, the silent and reso-
lute Athos loved D'Artagnan like his own son, and showed every
now and then all the anxiety of a father.
« The skin is rubbed off, that is all,” said D'Artagnan. “My
fingers were caught between two stones the stone of the wall
and the stone of my ring. ”
« That is what comes of having diamonds,” remarked Athos
disdainfully.
“Here we are at the camp, and they are coming to meet us
and bring us in triumphantly. ”
And he only spoke the truth, for the whole camp was in a
turmoil. More than two thousand people had gazed, as at a play,
at the lucky bit of braggadocio of the four friends,— braggadocio
of which they were far from suspecting the real motive. The
cry of “Long live the musketeers," resounded on all sides, and
M. De Busigny was the first to hold out his hand to Athos and
to declare that he had lost his wager. The dragoon and the
## p. 4993 (#161) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4993
Swiss had followed him, and all the others had followed the
dragoon and the Swiss. There was nothing but congratulations,
hand-shakings, embraces; and the tumult became so great that
the Cardinal thought there must be a revolt, and sent La Hou-
dinière, his captain of guards, to find out what was the matter.
« Well ? » asked the Cardinal, as his messenger returned.
“Well, monseigneur,” replied La Houdinière, it is about
three musketeers and a guardsman who made a bet with M. De
Busigny to go and breakfast at the Bastion Saint-Gervais, and
while breakfasting, held it for two hours against the enemy, and
killed I don't know how many Rochellois. ”
«You asked the names of these gentlemen ? ”
“Yes, monseigneur. ”
«What are they? ”
"Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. ”
"Always my three heroes,” murmured the Cardinal. “And
the guardsman ? ”
«M. D'Artagnan. ”
Always my young rogue! I must gain over these men. ”
And the same evening, the Cardinal had a conversation with
M. De Treville about the morning's exploit, with which the whole
camp was still ringing. M. De Treville, who had heard it all
at first hand, gave his Eminence all the details, not forgetting
the episode of the napkin.
“Very good, M. De Treville,” said the Cardinal; “but you
must get me that napkin, and I will have three golden lilies em-
broidered on it, and give as a banner to your company. "
"Monseigneur," replied M. De Treville, «that would be an
injustice to the guards. M. D'Artagnan does not belong to me,
but to M. Des Essarts. ”
« Then you must take him," said the Cardinal. “As these
four brave soldiers love each other so much, they ought certainly
to be in the same regiment. ”
That evening M. De Treville announced the good news to the
three musketeers and to D'Artagnan, and invited them all to
breakfast the following day.
D'Artagnan was nearly beside himself with joy. As we know,
it had been the dream of his life to be a musketeer.
IX-313
## p. 4994 (#162) ###########################################
4994
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK
From «The Viscount of Bragelonne)
[Dumas adopts the theory that the Man in the Iron Mask was the sup
pressed twin brother of Louis XIV. ]
*W**
HAT is all this noise ? ” asked Philippe, turning towards
the door of the concealed staircase. And as he spoke
a voice was heard saying, “This way, this way.
Still a
few steps, sire. "
“It is M. Fouquet's voice,” said D'Artagnan, who was stand-
ing near the Queen Mother.
“Then M. D'Herblay will not be far off,” added Philippe;
but little did he expect to see the person who actually entered.
All eyes were riveted on the door, from which the voice of
M. Fouquet proceeded; but it was not he who came through.
A cry of anguish rang through the room, breaking forth
simultaneously from the King and the spectators, and surely
never had been seen a stranger sight.
The shutters were half closed, and only a feeble light strug-
gled through the velvet curtains, with their thick silk linings,
and the eyes of the courtiers had to get accustomed to the dark-
ness before they could distinguish between the surrounding ob-
jects. But once discerned, they stood out as clear as day.
So, looking up, they saw Louis XIV. in the doorway of the
private stair, his face pale and his brows bent; and behind him
stood Fouquet.
The Queen Mother, whose hand held that of Philippe, uttered
a shriek at the sight, thinking that she beheld a ghost.
Monsieur staggered for a moment and turned away his head,
looking from the King who was facing him to the King who was
by his side.
Madame on the contrary stepped forward, thinking it must
be her brother-in-law reflected in a mirror. And indeed, this
seemed the only rational explanation of the double image.
Both young men, agitated and trembling, clenching their
hands, darting flames of fury from their eyes, dumb, breathless,
ready to spring at each other's throats, resembled each other so
exactly in feature, figure, and even, by pure accident, in dress,
that Anne of Austria herself stood confounded. For as yet the
truth had not dawned on her. There are some torments that we
## p. 4995 (#163) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4995
all instinctively reject. It is easier far to accept the supernatu-
ral, the impossible.
That he should encounter such obstacles had never for one
moment occurred to Louis. He imagined he had only to show
himself, for the world to fall at his feet. The Sun-king could
have no rival; and where his rays did not fall, there must be
darkness -
As to Fouquet, who could describe his bewilderment at the
sight of the living portrait of his master? Then he thought
that Aramis was right, and that the new-comer was every whit
as much a king as his double, and that after all, perhaps he
had made a mistake when he had declined to share in the coup
d'état so cleverly plotted by the General of the Jesuits.
And then, it was equally the blood royal of Louis XIII, that
Fouquet had determined to sacrifice to blood in all respects iden-
tical; a' noble ambition, to one that was selfish. And it was the
mere aspect of the pretender which showed him all these things.
D'Artagnan, leaning against the wall and facing Fouquet, was
debating in his own mind the key to this wonderful riddle. He
felt instinctively, though he could not have told why, that in
the meeting of the two Louis XIV. s lay the explanation of all
that had seemed suspicious in the conduct of Aramis during the
last few days.
Suddenly Louis XIV. , by nature the most impatient of the
two young men, and with the habit of command that was the
result of training, strode across the room and flung open one of
the shutters. The flood of light that streamed through the win-
dow caused Philippe involuntarily to recoil, and to step back
into the shelter of an alcove.
The movement struck Louis, and turning to the Queen he said:
Mother, do you not know your own son, although every one
else has denied his King ? ”
Anne trembled at his voice and raised her arms to heaven,
but could not utter a single word.
« Mother,” retorted Philippe in his quietest tones,“ do you
not know your own son ? ”
And this time it was Louis who stepped back.
As for Anne, pierced to the heart with grief and remorse,
she could bear it no longer. She staggered where she stood, and
unaided by her attendants, who seemed turned into stone, she
sank down on a sofa with a sigh.
CC
## p. 4996 (#164) ###########################################
4996
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
This spectacle was too much for Louis. He rushed to D'Ar-
tagnan, whose brain was going round with bewilderment, and who
clung to the door as his last hope.
“To me, musketeer! Look us both in the face, and see
which is the paler, he or I. ”
The cry awoke D'Artagnan from his stupor, and struck the
chord of obedience strong in the bosom of every soldier. He
lifted his head, and striding straight up to Philippe laid his hand
on his shoulder, saying quietly:-
"Monsieur, you are my prisoner. "
Philippe remained absolutely still, as if nailed to the floor,
his eyes fixed despairingly on the King who was his brother.
His silence reproached him as no words could have done, with
the bitterness of the past and the tortures of the future.
And the King understood, and his soul sank within him. His
eyes fell, and drawing his brother and sister-in-law with him, he
hastily quitted the room; forgetting in his agitation even his
mother, lying motionless on the couch beside him, not three
paces from the son whom for the second time she was allowing
to be condemned to a death in life.
Philippe drew near to her, and said softly:-
“If you had not been my mother, madame, I must have
cursed you for the misery you have caused me. ”
D'Artagnan overheard, and a shiver of pity passed through
him. He bowed respectfully to the young prince, and said:-
“Forgive me, monseigneur; I am only a soldier, and my faith
is due to him who has left us. ”
“Thank you, M. D'Artagnan. But what has become of M.
D'Herblay ? ”
“M. D’Herblay is safe, monseigneur,” answered a voice behind
them; "and while I am alive and free, not a hair of his head
shall be hurt. ”
“M. Fouquet! ” said the prince, smiling sadly.
“Forgive me, monseigneur,” cried Fouquet, falling on his
knees; but he who has left the room was my guest. ”
«Ah! ” murmured Philippe to himself with a sigh, "you are
loyal friends and true hearts. You make me regret the world I
am leaving. M. D'Artagnan, I will follow you. ”
As he spoke, Colbert entered and handed to the captain of
the musketeers an order from the King; then bowed, and went
out.
## p. 4997 (#165) ###########################################
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
4997
D'Artagnan glanced at the paper, and in a sudden burst of
wrath crumpled it in his hand.
“What is the matter ? ” asked the prince.
“Read it, monseigneur,” answered the musketeer.
And Philippe read these words, written hastily by the King
himself:
«M. D'Artagnan will conduct the prisoner to the Îles Sainte-
Marguerite. He will see that his face is covered with an iron
mask, which must never be lifted on pain of death. ”
«It is just,” said Philippe; “I am ready. ”
“Aramis was right,” whispered Fouquet to D'Artagnan, “this
is as good a king as the other. ”
"Better," replied D'Artagnan; "he only needed you and me. ”
A TRICK IS PLAYED ON HENRY III. BY AID OF CHICOT
From "The Lady of Monsoreau)
T.
He King and Chicot remained quiet and silent for the next
ten minutes. Then suddenly the King sat up, and the
noise he made roused Chicot, who was just dropping off to
sleep.
The two looked at each other with sparkling eyes.
< What is it? » asked Chicot in a low voice.
“Do you hear that sighing sound ? ” replied the King in a
lower voice still. « Listen! »
As he spoke, one of the wax candles in the hand of the
golden satyr went out; then a second, then a third. After a
moment, the fourth went out also.
Oh, oh! ” cried Chicot, “that is more than a sighing sound. ”
But he had hardly uttered the last word when in its turn the
lamp was extinguished, and the room was in darkness, save for
the flickering glow of the dying embers.
“Look out! » exclaimed Chicot, jumping up.
«He is going to speak," said the King, shrinking back into
his bed.
« Then listen and let us hear what he says,” replied Chicot,
and at the same instant a voice which sounded at once both
piercing and hollow, proceeded from the space between the bed
and the wall.
(c
## p. 4998 (#166) ###########################################
4998
ALEXANDRE DUMAS, SENIOR
“Hardened sinner, are you there? ”
“Yes, yes, Lord,” gasped Henri with chattering teeth.
“Dear me! ” remarked Chicot, “that is a very hoarse voice
to have come from heaven! I feel dreadfully frightened; but
never mind! »
“Do you hear me ? » asked the voice.
“Yes, Lord,” stammered Henri; and I bow before your
anger. ”
“Do you think you are carrying out my will by performing
all the mummeries you have taken part in to-day, while your
heart is full of the things of this world?
“Well said!
