Part 28 (1/2)
Athos, exceedinglyman, thanked him with profound respect, and approached the”Gri out”Ah, monsieur, you are indeed a wonderfulthan your , ”it is a habit contracted long since, in the service of the queen your aunt, and of the king your father How is it possible for me to lose it at the moment your majesty's service calls for it?”
”What a
Then, after a moment's reflection,--”But no, count, I cannot expose you to such privations I have nosuch services”
”Bah!” said Athos, laughing ”Your ; have you not a million? Ah! why am I not possessed of half such a suiold and son to share with a devoted servant”
”With a friend--yes, count, but on condition that, in his turn, that friend will share witha casket, forold and jewels, ”you see, sire, we are too rich Fortunately, there are four of us, in the event of ourwith thieves”
Joy made the blood rush to the pale cheeks of Charles II, as he saw Athos's two horses, led by Grimaud, already booted for the journey, advance towards the porch
”Blaisois, this letter for the Vicoone to Paris I confide the house to you, Blaisois” Blaisois bowed, shook hands with Griate
Chapter XVII In which Araht, and only Bazin is found
Two hours had scarcely elapsed since the departure of the ht, had taken the road to Paris, when a horseate, and with a sonorous ”hola!” called the stable-boys, ith the gardeners, had formed a circle round Blaisois, the historian-in-ordinary to the household of the chateau This ”hola,” doubtless well known to Master Blaisois, nan! run quickly, you chaps, and open the gate”
A swarate, which was opened as if it had been made of feathers; and every one loaded him with attentions, for they knew the welcome this friend was accustomed to receive from their master; and for such remarks the eye of the valet nan, with an agreeable sround, ”where is that dear count?”
”Ah! how unfortunate you are, monsieur!” said Blaisois: ”and how unfortunate will monsieur le co! As ill luck will have it, nan did not trouble hiood!” said he ”You always speak the best French in the world; you shall give e, whilst I wait the return of your master”
”That is impossible, ”
”Will he not come back to-day, then?”
”No, nor to-one on a journey”
”A journey!” said D'Artagnan, surprised; ”that's a fable, Master Blaisois”
”Monsieur, it is no ive e; and he added, with his voice so full of authority and kindness--that is all one to one to Paris'”
”Well!” cried D'Artagnan, ”since he is gone towards Paris, that is all I wanted to know! you should have told me so at first, booby! He is then two hours in advance?”
”Yes, monsieur”
”I shall soon overtake him Is he alone?”
”No, entleman whom I don't know, an old man, and M Grimaud”