That is true, sire; there can be no more doubt on
that head. DArtagnan turned in the direction pointed to by Athos, andperceived
Aramis. Four men, one of them wounded, and a youth, say you?
Let us see, for you know, my dearCaptain, a judge
must hear both sides.
For my part, I think whatthey say is very well
said, and quite worthy of two gentlemen. In the most simple and natural manner
possible. Augustine, upon which we could not agree,said the Gascon.
Gentlemen, said Jussac, it is with great regret
that Ipronounce the thing impossible.
I have said, monsieur, and I repeat, that the
handkerchief didnot fall from my pocket. That evening the three Musketeers were
informed of the honoraccorded them. Nevertheless, it was necessary to
finish.
When will your Majesty deign to receive
him?
Would not one say he was speaking of a religious
community?
Have you not enjoyed the pleasuresof the chase
today? You say, then, that the Guardsmen sought aquarrel with the Musketeers? An
instantafter, the Guardsman descended in his turn.
Athos, Porthos, and Aramis instantly drew near one
another, whileJussac drew up his soldiers.
Porthos hadreceived a thrust through his arm, and
Bicarat one through histhigh. His eyes therefore were fixed in asort of agony upon
the door through which the king must enter.
Decidedly, you are a brave fellow, said Athos,
pressing theyoung mans hand.
The four young men waited ten minutes, a quarter of
an hour,twenty minutes; and seeing that M. It was time; for Athos, whose great
couragealone supported him, sank upon his knee.
You say, then, that the Guardsmen sought aquarrel
with the Musketeers?
Attwo oclock I shall have the honor of expecting
you at the hotelof Monsieur de Treville.
Asyou are my commander, it is my duty to obey.
Athos, Aramis, and dArtagnan surrounded Bicarat,and required him to surrender.