 Chapter XXVIII of the D'Artagnan Romances, Volume III, Part I, by Alexander Dumas, translated by William Robson. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Smuggling. Two days after the events we have just related, and while General Monk was expected every minute in the camp, to which he did not return, a little Dutch falooka manned by eleven men cast anchor upon the coast of Chevenigan, nearly within cannon-shot of the port. It was night. The darkness was great. The tide rose in the darkness. It was a capital time to land passengers and merchandise. The road of Chevenigan forms a vast crescent. It is not very deep and not very safe. Therefore nothing is seen stationed there but a large Flemish hoist, or some of those Dutch barks which fishermen draw up on the sand on rollers, as the ancients did, according to Virgil. When the tide is rising and advancing on land, it is not prudent to bring the vessels too close in shore. For if the wind is fresh, the prows are buried in the sand, and the sand of that coast is spongy. It receives easily, but does not yield so well. It was on this account, no doubt, that a boat was detached from the bark as soon as the latter had cast anchor, and came with eight sailors, and its tomb was to be seen an object of an oblong form, a sort of large panier or bale. The shore was deserted. The few fishermen inhabiting the town were gone to bed. The only sentinel that guarded the coast, a coast very badly guarded, seeing that a landing from large ships was impossible. Without having been able to follow the example of the fishermen who were gone to bed, imitated them so far that he slept at the back of his watchbox as soundly as they slept in their beds. The only noise to be heard, then, was the whistling of the night breeze among the bushes and the brambles of the downs. But the people who were approaching were doubtless, mistrustful people, for this real silence and apparent solitude did not satisfy them. Their boat, therefore, scarcely as visible as a dark speck upon the ocean, glided along noiselessly, avoiding the use of their oars for fear of being heard, and gained the nearest land. Scarcely had it touched the ground when a single man jumped out of the boat, after having given a brief order in a manner which denoted the habit of commanding. In consequence of this order several muskets immediately glittered in the feeble light reflected from that mirror of the heavens, the sea, and the oblong bale of which we spoke containing no doubt some contraband object was transported to land with infinite precautions. Immediately after that the man who had landed first set off at a rapid pace diagonally toward the village of Chevenigan, directing his course to the nearest point of the wood. When there he sought for that house already described as the temporary residence in a very humble residence, of him who was styled by courtesy, King of England. All were asleep there as everywhere else, only a large dog of the race of those which the fishermen of Chevenigan harnessed to little carts to carry fish to the hag, began to bark formidably as soon as the stranger seps were audible beneath the window, but the watchfulness, instead of alarming the newly landed man, appeared on the contrary to give him great joy, for his voice might perhaps have proved insufficient to rouse the people of the house, whilst with an auxiliary of that sort his voice became almost useless. The stranger waited then, till these reiterated and sonorous barking should, according to all probability, have produced their effect, and then he ventured a summons. On hearing his voice the dog began to roar with such violence that another voice was soon heard from the interior quieting the dog. With that the dog was quieted. What do you want? asked that voice at the same time weak, broken, and civil. I want His Majesty King Charles II, King of England, said the stranger. What do you want with him? I want to speak to him. Who are you? More dear, you ask too much. I don't like talking through doors. Only, tell me your name. I don't like to declare my name in the open air either. Besides, you may be sure I shall not eat your dog, and I hope to God he will be as reserved with respect to me. You bring news perhaps, monsieur, do you not? replied the voice, patient and quarrelous as that of an old man. I will answer for it. I bring you news you little expect. Open the door then, if you please. Hine! Monsieur! persisted the old man. Do you believe upon your soul and conscience that your news is worth waking the king? Oh, God's sake, my dear monsieur, draw your bolts. You will not be sorry. I swear for the trouble it will give you. I am worth my weight in gold. Parole d'honneur! Monsieur, I cannot open the door till you have told me your name. Must I then? It is by the order of my master, monsieur. Well, my name is, but I warn you my name will tell you absolutely nothing. Never mind. Tell it, notwithstanding. Well, I am the Chevalier d'Artagnan. The voice uttered an exclamation. Oh, good heavens! said a voice on the other side of the door. Monsieur d'Artagnan, what happiness! I could not help thinking I knew that voice. Huff! said d'Artagnan. My voice is known here. That's flattering. Oh, yes! Who we know it? said the old man, drawing the bolts. And here is the proof! And at these words he let in d'Artagnan, who by the light of the lantern he carried in his hand, recognized his obstinate interlocutor. Ah, Mordeux! cried he. Why, it is Perry! I ought to have known that. Perry! Yes, my dear monsieur d'Artagnan, it is I! What joy to see you once again! You are right there. What joy! said d'Artagnan, pressing the old man's hand. There! Now you'll go and inform the king. Will you not? But the king is asleep, my dear monsieur. Mordeux, then wake him. He won't scold you for having disturbed him. I will promise you. You come on the part of the count, do you not? The Compte l'affaire? From Athos! Maffois! No! I come on my own part. Come, Perry, quick! The king! I want the king! Perry did not think at his duty to resist any longer. He knew d'Artagnan of old. He knew that, although aghast gone, his words never promised more than they could stand to. He crossed a court, and a little garden appeased a dog that seemed most anxious to taste of the musketeer's flesh, and went to knock at the window of a chamber forming the ground floor of a little pavilion. Immediately a little dog inhabiting that chamber replied to the great dog inhabiting the court. Poor king, said d'Artagnan to himself. These are his bodyguards. It is true he is not the worst guarded on that account. What is wanted with me? asked the king from the back of the chamber. Sire, it is monsieur le Chevalier d'Artagnan who brings you some news. A noise was immediately heard in the chamber. A door was opened, and a flood of light inundated the corridor and the garden. The king was working by the light of a lamp. Papers were lying about upon his desk, and he had commenced the foul copy of a letter which showed by the numerous erasers the trouble he had in writing it. Come in, monsieur le Chevalier, said he, turning around, then perceiving the fisherman. What do you mean, parry? Where is monsieur le Chevalier d'Artagnan? asked Charles. He is before you, Sire, said monsieur d'Artagnan. What? In that costume? Yes, look at me, Sire. Do you not remember having seen me at Blois in the antechambers of King Louis XIV? Yes, monsieur. I remember. I was much pleased with you. D'Artagnan bowed. It was my duty to behave as I did the moment I knew that I had the honour of being near your majesty. You bring me news, do you say? Yes, Sire. From the King of France? Vafua, no, Sire, replied d'Artagnan. Your majesty must have seen yonder that the King of France is only occupied with his own majesty. Charles raised his eyes toward heaven. No, Sire, no, continued d'Artagnan. I bring news entirely composed of personal facts. Nevertheless, I hope your majesty will listen to the facts and news with some favour. Speak, monsieur. If I am not mistaken, Sire, your majesty spoke a great deal at Blois of the embarrassed state in which the affairs of England are. Charles coloured. Monsieur? said he. It was to the King of France, I related. Oh, your majesty is mistaken, said the musketeer coolly. I know how to speak to kings in misfortune. It is only when they are in misfortune that they speak to me, once fortunate they look upon me no more. I have, then, for your majesty not only the greatest respect, but still more the most absolute devotion. And that, believe me, with me, Sire, means something. Now, hearing your majesty complain of fate, I found that you were noble and generous, and bore misfortune well. In truth, said Charles, much astonished, I do not know which I ought to prefer, your freedoms or your respects. You will choose presently, Sire, said d'Artagnan. Then your majesty complained to your brother, Louis XIV, of the difficulty you experienced in returning to England and regaining your throne for want of men and money. Charles allowed a movement of impatience to escape him. And the principal object your majesty found in your way, continued d'Artagnan, was a certain general commanding the armenies of the parliament, and who was playing yonder the part of another crumbwell. Did not your majesty say so? Yes, but I repeat to you, monsieur, those words were meant for the king's ears alone. And you will see, Sire, that it is very fortunate that they fell into those of his lieutenant musketeers. That man so troublesome to your majesty was one general monk, I believe. Did I not hear his name correctly, Sire? Yes, monsieur, but once more, to what purpose are all these questions? Oh, I know very well, Sire, that etiquette will not allow kings to be questioned. I hope, however, presently you will pardon my want of etiquette. Your majesty added that not was standing if you could see him, confer with him, and meet him face to face you would triumph, either by force or persuasion, over that obstacle, the only serious one, the only insurmountable one, the only real one you met with on your road. All that is true, monsieur, my destiny, my future, my obscurity, or my glory depend upon that man, but what do you draw from that? One thing alone, that if this general monk is troublesome to the point your majesty describes, it would be expedient to get rid of him or to make an ally of him. Monsieur, a king who has neither army nor money, as you have heard my conversation with my brother Louis, has no means of acting against a man like monk. Yes, Sire, that was your opinion, I know very well, but fortunately for you it was not mine. What do you mean by that? That, without an army and without a million, I have done, I, myself, what your majesty thought could alone be done with an army and a million. What do you say? What have you done? What have I done? Hey, well, Sire, I went yonder to take this man who is so troublesome to your majesty. In England? Exactly, Sire. You went to take monk in England? Should I, by chance, have done wrong, Sire? In truth, you are mad, monsieur. Not the least in the world, Sire. You have taken monk? Yes, Sire. Where? In the midst of his camp. The king trembled within patience, and having taken him on the causeway of Newcastle, I bring him to your majesty. Said D'Artagnan simply. You bring him to me? cried the king, almost indignant at what he considered a mystification. Yes, Sire. replied D'Artagnan the same tone. I bring him to you. He is down below yonder in a large chest pierced with holes so as to allow him to breathe. Good God! Oh, don't be uneasy, Sire. We have taken the greatest possible care of him. He comes in good state and in perfect condition. Would your majesty please to see him, to talk with him? Or to have him thrown into the sea? Oh, heavens! repeated Charles. Oh, heavens! Do you speak the truth, monsieur? Are you not insulting me with some unworthy joke? You have accomplished this unheard of act of audacity! Genius! Impossible! Will your majesty permit me to open the window? said D'Artagnan, opening it. The king had not time to reply yes or no. D'Artagnan gave a shrill and prolonged whistle which he repeated three times through the silence of the night. There! said he. He will be brought to your majesty. End of Chapter 28. Recording by John Vance then. Savannah, Georgia. Chapter 29 of the D'Artagnan Romance is Volume 3, Part 1 by Alexander Dumas, translated by William Robson. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. In which D'Artagnan begins to fear, he has placed his money and that of planchette in the sinking fund. The king could not overcome his surprise and looked sometimes at the smiling face of the musketeer and sometimes at the dark window which opened into the night. But before he had fixed his ideas, eight of D'Artagnan's men, for two had remained to take care of the bark, brought to the house where Perry received him, that object of an oblong form which, for the moment, enclosed the destinies of England. Before he left Calais, D'Artagnan had had made in that city a sort of coffin, large and deep enough for a man to turn in it at his ease. The bottom and sides, properly upholstered, formed a bed sufficiently soft to prevent the rolling of the ship turning this kind of cage into a rat trap. The little grating of which D'Artagnan had spoken to the king, like the visor of a helmet, was placed opposite to the man's face. It was so constructed that, at the least cry, a sudden pressure would stifle that cry and, if necessary, him who had uttered that cry. D'Artagnan was so well acquainted with his crew and his prisoner that during the whole voyage he had been in dread of two things. Either that the general would prefer death to this sort of imprisonment and would smother himself by endeavouring to speak, or that his guards would allow themselves to be tempted by the office of the prisoner and put him, D'Artagnan, into the box instead of monk. D'Artagnan, therefore, had passed the two days and the two nights of the voyage close to the coffin, alone with the general, offering him wine and food which the latter had refused, and constantly endeavouring to reassure him upon the destiny which awaited him at the end of this singular captivity. Two pistols on the table and his naked sword made D'Artagnan easy with regard to indiscretions from without. When once in Chevenigan he had felt completely reassured, his men greatly dreaded any conflict with the lords of the soil. He had, besides, interested in his cause him who had morally served him as lieutenant, and whom we have seen reply to the name of Menoveal. The latter not being a vulgar spirit had more to risk than the others, because he had more conscience. He believed in a future in the service of D'Artagnan, and consequently would have allowed himself to be cut to pieces, rather than violate the order given by his leader. Thus it was that, once landed, it was to him D'Artagnan had confided the care of the chest and the general's breathing. It was he too he had ordered to have the chest brought by the seven men as soon as he should hear the triple whistle. We have seen that the lieutenant obeyed. The coffer once in the house D'Artagnan dismissed his men with a gracious smile, saying, Monsieur, you have rendered a great service to King Charles II, who in less than six weeks will be King of England. Your gratification will then be doubled. Return to the boat and wait for me. Upon which they departed with such shouts of joy as terrified even the dog himself. D'Artagnan had caused the coffer to be brought as far as the King's anti-chamber. He then with great care closed the door of this anti-chamber, after which he opened the coffer and said to the general, General, I have a thousand excuses to make to you. My manner of acting has not been worthy of such a man as you I know very well, but I wished you to take me for the captain of a bark, and then England is a very inconvenient country for transports. I hope therefore you will take all that into consideration. But now, General, you are at liberty to get up and walk. This said he cut the bonds which fastened the arms and hands of the general. The latter got up and then sat down with the countenance of a man who expects death. D'Artagnan opened the door of Charles's study and said, Sire, here is your enemy, Mr. Monk. I promised myself to perform this service for your Majesty. It is done. Now order as you please. Mr. Monk added he turning toward the prisoner. You are in the presence of His Majesty Charles II, sovereign lord of Great Britain. Monk raised toward the Prince his coldly stoical look and replied, I know no king of Great Britain. I recognize even here no one worthy of bearing the name of gentlemen. For it is in the name of King Charles II that an emissary whom I took for an honest man came and laid an infamous snare for me. I have fallen into that snare, so much the worse for me. Now you, the tempter, said he to the king. You, the executor, said he to D'Artagnan. Remember what I am about to say to you. You have my body, you may kill it, and I advise you to do so, for you shall never have my mind or my will. And now, ask me not a single word, as from this moment I will not open my mouth, even to cry out. I have said. And he pronounced these words with the savage, invincible resolution of the most mortified Puritan. D'Artagnan looked at his prisoner like a man who knows the value of every word and who fixes that value according to the accent with which it has been pronounced. The fact is, said he in a whisper to the king, the general is an obstinate man. He would not take a mouthful of bread, nor swallow a drop of wine during the two days of our voyage. But as from this moment it is your majesty who must decide his fate. I wash my hands of him. Monk, erect, pale and resigned, weighted with his eyes fixed and his arms folded. D'Artagnan turned toward him. You will please to understand perfectly, said he, that your speech otherwise very fine does not suit anybody, not even yourself. His majesty wished to speak to you. You refused him an interview. Why, now that you are face-to-face, that you are here by a force independent of your will, why do you confine yourself to rigors which I consider useless and absurd? Speak! What the devil! Speak! If only to say no! Monk did not unclose his lips. Monk did not turn his eyes. Monk stroked his moustache with a thoughtful air which announced that matters were going on badly. During all this time, Charles II had fallen into a profound reverie. For the first time he found himself face-to-face with Monk, with the man he had so much desire to see and with that peculiar glance which God has given to eagles and kings, he rathomed the abyss of his heart. He beheld Monk then resolved positively to die rather than speak, which was not to be wondered at in so considerable a man, the wound in whose mind must at the moment have been cruel. Charles II formed on the instant one of those resolutions upon which an ordinary man risks his life, a general his fortune and a king his kingdom. Monsieur, said he to Monk, you are perfectly right upon certain points. I do not therefore ask you to answer me, but to listen to me. There was a moment's silence during which the king looked at Monk, who remained impassable. You have made me just now a painful reproach, Monsieur, continued the king. You said that one of my emissaries had bent a new castle to lay a snare for you, and that parenthetically cannot be understood by Monsieur D'Artagnan, here and to whom before everything. I owe sincere thanks for his generous, his heroic devotion. D'Artagnan bowed with respect. Monk took no notice. For Monsieur D'Artagnan, and observe, Monsieur Monk, I do not say this to excuse myself. For Monsieur D'Artagnan, continued the king, went to England of his own free will, without interest, without orders, without hope, like a true gentleman as he is, to render a service to an unfortunate king, and to add to the illustrious actions of an existence already so well-filled, one glorious deed more. D'Artagnan coloured a little and coughed to keep his countenance. Monk did not stir. You do not believe what I tell you, Monsieur Monk? continued the king. I can understand that. Such proofs of devotion are so rare that their reality may well be put in doubt. Monsieur would do wrong not to believe you, Sire, cried D'Artagnan, for that which your Majesty has said is the exact truth, and the truth so exact that it seems, in going to fetch the general, I have done something which sets everything wrong. In truth, if it be so, I am in despair. Monsieur D'Artagnan said the king, pressing the hand of the musketeer, You have obliged me as much as if you had promoted the success of my cause, for you have revealed to me an unknown friend, to whom I shall ever be grateful, and whom I shall always love. And the king pressed his hand cordially, And, continued he, bowing to Monk, An enemy whom I shall henceforth esteem at his proper value. The eyes of the Puritan flashed, but only once, and his countenance, for an instant, illuminated by that flash, resumed its sombre impassibility. Then, Monsieur D'Artagnan, continued Charles, This is what was about to happen. Monsieur Le Compte de la Faire, whom you know, I believe, has set out for Newcastle. What? Athos exclaimed D'Artagnan. Yes, that was his norm de guerre, I believe. The Compte de la Faire had then set out for Newcastle, and was going, perhaps, to bring the general to hold a conference with me, or with those of my party, when you violently, as it appears, interfered with the negotiation. Mordeux, replied D'Artagnan, He entered the camp the very evening in which I succeeded in getting into it with my fisherman. An almost imperceptible frown on the brow of Monk told D'Artagnan that he had surmised rightly. Yes, yes, muttered he. I thought I knew his person. I even fancied I knew his voice. I'm lucky wretch that I am. Oh, Sire, pardon me. I thought I had so successfully steered my bark. There is nothing ill in it, sir. Said the king, except that the general accuses me of having laid a snare for him, which is not the case. No, general, those are not the arms which I contemplated employing with you, as you will soon see. In the meanwhile, when I give you my word upon the honour of a gentleman, believe me, sir, believe me. Now, M. D'Artagnan, a word with you, if you please. I listen on my knees, Sire. You are truly at my service, are you not? Your majesty has seen I am. Too much so. That is well, from a man like you one word suffices. In addition to that word you bring actions. General, have the goodness to follow me. Come with us, M. D'Artagnan. D'Artagnan considerably surprised, prepared to obey. Charles II went out. Monk followed him. D'Artagnan followed Monk. Charles took the path by which D'Artagnan had come to his abode. The fresh sea breezes soon caress the faces of the three nocturnal travellers. And at fifty paces from the little gate which Charles opened, they found themselves upon the down in the face of the ocean, which, having ceased to rise, were posed upon the shore like a wearied monster. Charles II walked pensively along, his head hanging down and his hand beneath his cloak. Monk followed him with crossed arms and an uneasy look. D'Artagnan came last with his hand on the hilt of his sword. Where is the boat in which you came, gentlemen? said Charles to the musketeer. Yonder, Sire, I have seven men and an officer waiting me in that little bark, which is lighted by a fire. Yes, I see, the boat is drawn upon the sand. But you certainly did not come from Newcastle in that frail bark. No, Sire, I freighted a falooka at my own expense, which is at anchor within cannon-shot of the downs. It was in that falooka we made the voyage. Sir, said the king to Monk, you are free. However firm of his will, Monk could not suppress an exclamation. The king added an affirmative motion of his head and continued, We shall waken a fisherman of the village, who will put his boat to sea immediately, and will take you back to any place you may command him. Mr. D'Artagnan here will escort your honour. I place Mr. D'Artagnan under the safeguard of your loyalty, Mr. Monk. Monk allowed a murmur of surprise to escape him, and D'Artagnan a profound sigh. The king, without appearing to notice either, knocked against the deal trellis, which enclosed the cabin of the principal fisherman, inhabiting the down. Hey, Kaiser! cried he. Awake! Who calls me? asked the fisherman. I, Charles, the king. Ah, my lord! cried Kaiser, rising, ready dressed from the sail in which he slept, as people sleep in a hammock. What can I do to serve you? Captain Kaiser said, Charles, You must set sail immediately. Here is a traveller who wishes to freight your buck, and will pay you well. Serve him well. And the king drew back a few steps to allow Monk to speak to the fisherman. I wished to cross over into England, said Monk, who spoke dutch enough to make himself understood. This minute, said the patron, this very minute if you wish it. But will that be long? said Monk. Not a half hour, your honour. My eldest son is at this moment preparing the boat, as we were going out fishing at three o'clock in the morning. Well, is all arranged, asked the king drawing near. All but the price, said the fisherman. Yes, sire. That is my affair, said Charles. The gentleman is my friend. Monk started and looked at Charles on hearing this word. Very well, my lord, replied Kaiser, and at that moment they heard Kaiser's eldest son signalling from the shore with the blast of a bull's horn. Now, gentlemen, said the king, depart. Sire, said D'Artagnan, will it please your majesty to grant me a few minutes? I have engaged men, and I am going without them. I must give them notice. A whistle to them, said Charles, smiling. D'Artagnan accordingly whistled whilst the patron Kaiser replied to his son, and four men led by Manaville attended the first summons. Here is some money and account, said D'Artagnan, putting into their hands a purse containing 2,500 lever in gold. Go and wait for me at Calais, you know where. And D'Artagnan heaved a profound sigh as he let the purse fall into the hands of Manaville. What? Are you leaving us? cried the men. For a short time, said D'Artagnan, or for a long time, who knows. But with 2,500 lever and the 2,500 you have already received, you are paid according to our agreement. We are quits, then, my friend. But the boat? Do not trouble yourself about that. Our things are on board the Falooka. Go and seek them, and then set off immediately. Yes, Captain. D'Artagnan returned to Monk, saying, Monsieur, I await your orders. For I understand we are to go together, unless my company be disagreeable to you. On the contrary, Monsieur, said Monk. Come, gentlemen, on board, cried Kaiser's son. Charles bowed to the general with grace and dignity, saying, You will pardon me this unfortunate accident, and the violence to which you have been subjected when you are convinced that I was not the cause of them. Monk bowed profoundly without replying. On his side Charles effected not to say a word to D'Artagnan in private, but aloud, Once more, thanks, Monsieur Le Chevalier, said he. Thanks for your services. They will be repaid you by the Lord God, who, I hope, reserves trials and troubles for me alone. Monk followed Kaiser, and his son embarked with them. D'Artagnan came after muttering to himself. Poor Planchet! Poor Planchet! I am very much afraid we have made a bad speculation. End of Chapter 29 Chapter 30 of the D'Artagnan Romances, Volume 3, Part 1 by Alexander Dumas, translated by William Robson. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The shares of Planchet and Company rise again to par. During the passage Monk only spoke to D'Artagnan in cases of urgent necessity. Thus, when the family of the D'Artagnan and the family of the D'Artagnan and the family of the D'Artagnan and the family of the D'Artagnan the Frenchman hesitated to come and take his meals. Poor meals composed of salt, fish, biscuit, and Holland's gin. Monk called him, saying, Two table, monsieur! Two table! This was all. D'Artagnan, from being himself on all great occasions extremely concise, did not draw from the general's conciseness a favourable augury of the result of his mission. Now, as D'Artagnan had plenty of time for reflection, he battered his brains during this time in endeavouring to find out how Athos had seen King Charles, how he had conspired his departure with him, and lastly, how he had entered Monk's camp, and the poor lieutenant of Musketeers plucked a hair from his moustache every time he reflected that the horseman who accompanied Monk on the night of the famous abduction must have been Athos. At length, after a passage of two nights and two days, the patron Kaiser touched at the point where Monk, who had given all the orders during the voyage, had commanded they should land. It was exactly at the mouth of the little river near which Athos had chosen his abode. Daylight was waning, a splendid sun, like a red steel buckler was plunging the lower extremity of its disc beneath the blue line of the sea. The falooka was making fair way up the river, tolerably wide in that part, but Monk, in his impatience desired to be landed, and Kaiser's boat set him and D'Artagnan upon the muddy bank amidst the reeds. D'Artagnan resigned to obedience, followed Monk exactly as the chained bear follows his master, but the position humiliated him not a little, and he grumbled to himself that the service of kings was a bitter one, and that the best of them was good for nothing. Monk walked with long and hasty strides. It might be thought that he did not yet feel certain that he had reached English land. They then had already begun to perceive distinctly a few of the cottages of the sailors and fishermen spread over the little quay of this humble port. When all at once, D'Artagnan heard, God, pardon me, there is a house on fire. Monk raised his eyes, and perceived there was in fact a house which the flames were beginning to devour. It had begun at a little shed belonging to the house, the roof of which it caught, the fresh evening breeze agitated the fire. The two travelers quickened their steps, hearing loud cries and seeing as they drew nearer soldiers with their glittering arms pointing toward the house on fire. It was doubtless this menacing occupation which had made them neglect to signal the falooka. Monk stopped short for an instant, and for the first time formulated his thoughts into words. Eh, but, said he, Perhaps they are not my soldiers, but Lambert's. These words contained at once a sorrow and apprehension, and a reproach perfectly intelligible to D'Artagnan. In fact, during the general's absence, Lambert might have given battle, conquered and dispersed the parliament's army and taken with his own the place of Monk's army, deprived of its strongest support. At this doubt which passed from the mind of Monk to his own, D'Artagnan reasoned in this manner, one of two things is going to happen. Either Monk has spoken correctly and there are no longer any but Lambertus in the country, that is to say enemies who would receive me wonderfully well, since it is to me they owe their victory, or nothing has changed and Monk, transported with joy at finding his camp still in the same place, will not prove too severe in his settlement with me. Whilst thinking thus, the two travelers advanced and began to mingle with a little knot of sailors who looked on with sorrow at the burning house, but did not dare to say anything on account of the threats of the soldiers. Monk addressed one of these sailors. What is going on here? asked he. Sir, replied the man, not recognizing Monk as an officer, under the thick cloak which enveloped him, that house was inhabited by a foreigner and this foreigner became suspected by the soldiers. They wanted to get into the house under pretence of taking him to the camp, but he, without being frightened by their number, threatened death to the first who should cross the threshold of his door, and as there was one who did venture, the Frenchman stretched him on the earth with a pistol shot. Ah, he is a Frenchman, is he? said Bartanian, rubbing his hands. Good! How good! replied the fisherman. No, I don't mean that. What then? My tongue slipped. What then, sir? Why, the other men became as enraged as so many lions. They fired more than a hundred shots at the house, but the Frenchman was sheltered by the wall, and every time they tried to enter by the door they met with a shot from his lackey, whose aim is deadly, dear sea. Every time they threatened the window, they met with a pistol shot from the master, look and count. The Frenchman men down. Ha! my brave countrymen! cried Bartanian. Wait a little, wait a little, I will be with you and we will settle with this rabble. One instant, sir, said Monk. Wait! Long? No, only the time to ask a question. Then turning towards the sailor, my friend, asked he with an emotion in spite of all his self-command, he could not conceal. Whose soldiers are these? Pray, tell me! Whose should they be but that madman Monk's? There has been no battle then. A battle, ah, yes. For what purpose? Lambert's army is melting away like snow in April. All come to Monk, officers and soldiers, in a week Lambert won't have 50 men left. The German was interrupted by a fresh discharge directed against the house and by another pistol-shot which replied to the discharge and struck down the most daring of the aggressors. The rage of the soldiers was at its height. The fire still continued to increase and a crest of flame and smoke whirled and spread over the roof of the house. Bartanian could no longer contain himself. My dear! said he to Monk, glancing at him sideways. You're a general and allow your men to burn houses and assassinate people while you look on and warm your hands at the blaze of the conflagration. Mordeaux, you are not a man. Patience, sir! Patience! said Monk, smiling. Patience! Yes, until that brave gentleman is roasted. Is that what you mean? And Bartanian rushed forward. Remain where you are, sir! said Monk in a tone of command and he advanced toward the house just as an officer had approached it saying to the besieged, The house is burning. You will be roasted within an hour. There is still time. Come! Tell us what you know of General Monk and we will spare your life. Reply, or by St. Patrick. The besieged made no answer. He was no doubt reloading his pistol. A reinforcement is expected, continued the officer. In a quarter of an hour there will be a hundred men around your house. Reply to you. said the Frenchman. Let your men be sent away. I will come out freely and repair to the camp alone or else I will be killed here. Miltonneur! shouted Bartanian. Why, that's the voice of Athos. Ah, can I? And the sword of Bartanian flashed from its sheath. Monk stopped him and advanced himself exclaiming in a sonorous voice. Who lit this fire? Why these cries? The general cried Digby letting the point of his sword fall. The general replied to soldiers. Well, what is there so astonishing in that? said Monk in a calm tone. Then silence being re-established. Now said he. Who lit this fire? Bartanian. What? Do I ask a question and nobody answers me? said Monk. What? Do I find a fault and nobody repairs it? The fire is still burning, I believe. Immediately the twenty men rushed forward seizing pails, buckets, jars, and barrels, and extinguishing the fire with as much ardor as they had the latter to the house, crying, Athos, it is I, Bartanian, do not kill me, my dearest friend. And in a moment the count was clasped in his arms. In the meantime Grimaud, preserving his calmness, dismantled the fortification of the ground floor, and after having opened the door stood with his arms folded quietly on the sill. Only on hearing the voice of Bartanian he uttered head. General, said he, excuse us, what we have done was for love of your honour, whom we thought lost. You are mad, gentlemen, lost? Is a man like me to be lost? Am I not permitted to be absent according to my pleasure without giving formal notice? Do you, by chance, take me for a citizen from the city? Is a gentleman my friend, my guest, besieged, entrapped, and threatened with death because he is suspected? What signifies that word, suspected? Curse me if I don't have every one of you shot like dogs, that the brave gentleman has left alive. General, said Digby piteously, there were twenty-eight of us and, see, there are eight on the ground. I authorise Michelle a comptil affair to send the twenty to join the eight, said Monk stretching out his hand to Athos. Let them return to camp. Mr. Digby, you will consider yourself under arrest for a month. General. That is to teach you, sir, not to act another time without orders. I had those of the lieutenant general. The lieutenant has no such orders with you, and he shall be placed under arrest instead of you, if he has really commanded you to burn this gentleman. He did not command that, general. He commanded us to bring him to the camp, but the count was not willing to follow us. I was not willing that they should enter and plunder my house, said Athos to Monk with a significant look. And you were quite right to the camp, I say. You have started with dejected looks. Now, we are alone, said Monk to Athos. Have the goodness to tell me, sir, why you persisted in remaining here whilst you had your Filuca. I waited for you, general, said Athos. Had not your honour appointed to meet me in a week? An eloquent look from D'Artagnan made it clear to Monk that these two men, so brave and so loyal to the concert for his abduction. He knew already it could not be so. Miss Sher. said he to D'Artagnan. You were perfectly right. Have the kindness to allow me a moment's conversation with Miss Sher Lecompe de la Faire. D'Artagnan took advantage of this to go and ask Ramon how he was. Monk requested Athos to conduct him to the chamber he lived in. This chamber was still full of smoke and rubbish. More than fifty balls had passed through the chamber. They found a table, ink stand and materials for writing. Monk took up a pen, wrote a single line, signed it, folded the paper, sealed the letter with the seal of his ring and handed over the missive to Athos, saying, Miss Sher, carry if you please this letter to King Charles II and set out immediately if nothing detains you here any longer. And the casks said Athos, The fishermen who brought me Hiver will assist you in transporting them on board. Depart, if possible, within an hour. Yes, General. said Athos. Mr. D'Artagnan. cried Monk from the window. D'Artagnan ran up precipitately. Embrace your friend and bin him adieu, sir. He is returning to Holland. To Holland? cried D'Artagnan. And I? You are at liberty to follow him, sir. But I request you to remain. said Monk. Will you refuse me? Oh, no, General. I am at your orders. D'Artagnan embraced Athos and only had time to bid him adieu. Monk watched them both. Many took upon himself the preparations for the departure. The transportation of the casks on board and the embarking of Athos. Then taking D'Artagnan by the arm, who was quite amazed and agitated, he led him toward Newcastle. Whilst going along the General leaning on his arm, D'Artagnan could not help murmuring to himself. Come. Come. It seems to me that the shares of the firm of Plancheton Company are rising. End of Chapter 30 Recording by John Van Stan, Savannah, Georgia. Chapter 31 of the D'Artagnan Romances Volume 3, Part 1 by Alexander Dumas translated by William Robson. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Monk reveals himself. D'Artagnan, although he flattered himself with better success, had nevertheless not too well comprehended his situation. It was a strange and grave subject for him to reflect upon. This voyage of Athos into England, this League of the King with Athos and that extraordinary combination of his design with that of the Comp de la Faire, the best way was to let things follow their own train. An imprudence had been committed and whilst having succeeded as he had promised, D'Artagnan found that he had gained no advantage by his success. Since everything was lost, he could risk no more. D'Artagnan followed Monk through his camp. The return of the General was in effect, though his people had thought him lost. But Monk, with his austere look and icy demeanor, appeared to ask of his eager lieutenants and delighted soldiers the cause of all this joy. Therefore, to the lieutenants who had come to meet him and who expressed the uneasiness with which they had learnt his departure, Why is all this? said he. Am I obliged to give you an account of myself? The shepherd. Trembled? replied Monk in his calm and powerful voice. Ah, Monsieur, what a word! Curse me if my sheep have not both teeth and claws. I renounce being their shepherd. Ah, you tremble, gentlemen, do you? Yes, General, for you. Oh, pray meddle with your own concerns. If I have not the wit God gave to Oliver Cromwell, I have that wit she has sent to me. I am satisfied with it, however little it may be. The officer made no reply in Monk. Having imposed silence on his people, all remained persuaded that he had accomplished some important work or made some important trial. This was forming a very poor conception of his patience and scrupulous genius. Monk, if he had the good faith of the Puritans, his allies, must have returned fervent thanks to the patron saint who had taken him from the box of Monsieur D'Artagnan. Whilst these things were going on, our musketeer could not help constantly repeating, God grant that Monsieur Monk may not have as much pride as I have. For I declare, if anyone had put me into a coffer with that grating over my mouth and carried me packed up like a calf across the seas, I should cherish such a memory of him who had enclosed me in it. I should dread so greatly to see a sarcastic smile blooming upon the face of that malicious wretch or, in his attitude, any grotesque imitation of my position in that box. That, more due, I should plunge a good dagger into his throat in compensation for the grating. I would nail him down with unbearable bear in remembrance of the false coffin in which I had been left to grow moldy for two days. And D'Artagnan spoke honestly when he spoke thus, for the skin of our Gascogne was a very thin one. Monk, fortunately, entertained other ideas. He never opened his mouth to his timid conqueror concerning the past, but he admitted him very near to his person and his labours, took him with him to several reconnoiterings in such a way as to obtain that which he evidently warmly desired, as to his companion. The latter conducted himself like a past master in the art of flattery. He admired all Monk's tactics and the ordering of his camp he joked very pleasantly upon the circumvalations of Lambert's camp. Who had, he said, very uselessly given himself the trouble to enclose a camp for twenty thousand men, whilst an acre of ground would have been quite sufficient for the corporal and fifty guards who would perhaps remain faithful to the proposition made by Lambert the evening before for an interview in which Monk's lieutenants had refused under the pretext that the general was indisposed. This interview was neither long nor interesting. Lambert demanded a profession of faith from his rival. The latter declared he had no other opinion than that of the majority. Lambert asked if it would not be more expedient to terminate the quarrel by an alliance than by a battle. Monk, hereupon, demanded a week and Lambert could not refuse this and Lambert nevertheless had come saying that he should devour Monk's army. Therefore, at the end of the interview which Lambert's party watched with impatience, nothing was decided, neither treaty nor battle. The rebel army, as Monsieur D'Artagnan had foreseen, began to prefer the good cause to the bad one and the parliament rumpish as it was to the pompous nothings of Lambert's designs. They remembered likewise the good feasts of London, the profusion of ale and sherry with which the citizens of London paid their friends the soldiers. They looked with terror at the black war bread at the troubled waters of the tweed. Too salt for the glass and not enough so for the pot and they said to themselves, are not the roast meats kept warm for Monk in London? From that time nothing was heard of but desertion in Lambert's army The soldiers allowed themselves to be drawn away by the force of principles, which are, like discipline, the obligatory tie in everybody constituted for any purpose. Monk defended the parliament, Lambert attacked it. Monk had no more inclination to support Parliament than Lambert but he had it inscribed on his standards so that all those of the contrary party were reduced to right upon theirs rebellion, they flocked then from Lambert to Monk as sinners flocked from Baal to God. Monk made his calculations at a thousand desertions a day. Lambert had men enough the last twenty days but there is in sinking things such a growth of weight and swiftness which combined with each other that a hundred left the first day five hundred the second, a thousand the third. Monk thought he had obtained his rate but from one thousand increased to two thousand then to four thousand and a week after Lambert perceiving that he had no longer the possibility of accepting battle if it were offered to him took the wise resolution of de-camping during the night returning to London then being beforehand with Monk and constructing a power with the wreck of the military party. But Monk free and without uneasiness marched toward London as a conqueror augmenting his army with all his might. He encamped at Barnett that is to say within four leagues of the capital cherished by the Parliament which thought it beheld in him a protector and awaited by the people who were anxious to see him reveal himself that they might judge him. D'Artagnan himself had not been able to fathom his tactics he observed he admired Monk could not enter London only when least expected Monk drove the military party out of London and installed himself in the city amidst the citizens by order of the Parliament then at the moment when the citizens were crying out against Monk at the moment when the soldiers themselves were accusing their leader Monk finding himself certain of a majority declared to the Rump Parliament that it must abdicate be dissolved and yield its place to a government that supports this declaration supported by fifty thousand swords to which that same evening were united with shouts of delirious joy the five hundred thousand inhabitants of the good city of London at length at the moment when the people after their triumphs and festive repass in the open streets were looking about for a master it was affirmed that a vessel had left the Hague bearing Charles the second said Monk to his officers I am going to meet the legitimate king he who loves me will follow me a burst of acclamations welcomed these words which d'Artagnan did not hear without the greatest delight Mardu said he to Monk that is bold, monsieur you will accompany me will you not said Monk but tell me I beg what you wrote by Athos that is to say the compel affair you know the day of our arrival I have no secrets from you now replied Monk I wrote these words Sire I expect your majesty in six weeks at Dover ah said d'Artagnan I no longer say it is bold I say it is well played it is a fine stroke you are something of a judge in such matters replied Monk and this was the only time the general had ever made an allusion to his voyage to Holland end of chapter 31 recording by John Van Stan Savannah, Georgia chapter 32 of the d'Artagnan romances volume 3 part 1 by Alexander Dumas translated by William Robson this Libra Box recording is in the public domain Athos and d'Artagnan meet once more at the hostelry of the Coen Duceff the king of England made his entree into Dover with great pomp as he afterwards did in London he had sent for his brothers he had brought over his mother and sister England had been for so long a time given up to herself that is to say to tyranny mediocrity and nonsense that this return of Charles II whom the English only knew as the son of the man whose head they had cut off was a festival for the three kingdoms consequently all the good wishes all the acclamations which accompanied his return struck the young king so forcibly that he stooped and whispered in the ear of James of York his younger brother in truth James it seems to have been our own fault that we were so long absent from a country where we are so much beloved the pageant was magnificent beautiful weather favoured the solemnity Charles had regained all his youth all his good humour he appeared to be transfigured hearts seemed to smile on him like the sun amongst this noisy crowd of courtiers and worshippers who did not appear to remember they had conducted to the scaffold at Whitehall the father of the new king a man in the garb of a lieutenant of musketeers looked with a smile upon his thin intellectual lips sometimes at the people vociferating their blessings and sometimes at the prince who pretended emotion and who bowed most particularly to the women whose bouquets fell beneath his horses feet what a fine trade is that of king said this man so completely absorbed in contemplation that he stopped in the middle of his road leaving the cortege to file past now there isn't good truth a prince all bespangled over with gold and diamonds enameled with flowers like a spring meadow he is about to plunge his empty hands into the immense coffer in which is now faithful but so lately unfaithful subjects have amassed one or two cart loads of ingots of gold they cast bouquets enough upon him to smother him and yet if he had presented himself to them two months ago they would have sent as many bullets and balls at him as they now throw flowers decidedly it is worth something to be born in a certain sphere with due respect to the lowly who pretend that it is a very little advantage to them to be born lowly the cortege continued to file on and with the king the acclamations began to die away in the direction of the palace which however did not prevent our officer from being pushed about more dear continued the reasoner these people tread upon my toes and look upon me as a very little consequence or rather of none at all seeing that they are Englishmen and I am a Frenchman if all these people were asked who is Mr. D'Artagnan they would reply Nessio Vos but let any one say to them there is the king going by there is Mr. Monk going by they would run away shouting vive le raw vive Mr. Monk till their lungs were exhausted and yet continued he surveying with that look sometimes so keen and sometimes so proud the diminishing crowd and yet reflect a little my good people on what your king has done on what Mr. Monk has done and then think who is called Mr. D'Artagnan it is true you do not know him since he is here unknown and that prevents your thinking about the matter but what matters it all that does not prevent Charles II from being a great king although he has been exiled twelve years or Mr. Monk from being a great captain although he did make a voyage to Holland in a box well then since it is admitted that one is a great king and the other a great captain for King Charles II for General Monk and his voice mingled with the voices of the hundreds of spectators over which it sounded for a moment then the better to play the devoted man he took off his hat and waved it in the air someone seized his arm in the very height of his expansive royalism in 1660 that was so termed which we now call royalism Athos cried D'Artagnan you here and the two friends seized each other's hands you here and being here continued the musketeer you are not in the midst of all the courtiers my dear compt what you the hero of the fett you are not prancing on the left hand of the king right in truth I cannot comprehend your character nor that of the prince who owes you so much always scornful my dear D'Artagnan said Athos will you never correct yourself of that vile habit but you do not form part of the pageant I do not because I was not willing to do so and why were you not willing because I am neither envoy nor ambassador nor representative of the king of France and it does not become me to exhibit myself thus near the person of another king then the one god has given me for a master more dear you came very near to the person of the king his father that was another thing my friend he was about to die and yet that which you did for him I did it because it was my duty to do it but you know I hate all ostentation let King Charles II then who no longer stands in need of me leave me to my rest and in the shadow that is all I claim of him D'Artagnan sighed what is the matter with you said Athos one would say that this happy return of the king to London saddens you my friend you have done at least as much for his majesty as I have have I not replied D'Artagnan with his gas gone laugh have I not done much for his majesty without anyone suspecting it yes yes but the king is well aware of it my friend cried Athos he is aware of it said the musketeer bitterly by my faith I did not suspect so and I was even a moment ago trying to forget it myself but he my friend will not forget it I will answer for him you tell me that to console me a little Athos for what more dear for all the expense I incurred I have ruined myself my friend ruined myself for the restoration of this young prince who has just passed is a bell colored horse the king does not know you have ruined yourself my friend but he knows he owes you much and say Athos does that advance me in any respect for to do you justice you have labored nobly but I I who in appearance marge your combinations it was I who really made them succeed follow my calculations closely you might not have by persuasions or mildness convince general monk who whilst I so roughly treated this dear general that I furnished your prince with an opportunity of showing himself generous this generosity was inspired in him by the fact of my fortunate mistake and Charles is paid by the restoration which monk has brought about all that my dear friend is strikingly true replied Athos well strikingly true as it may be it is not less true my friend that I shall return greatly beloved by miss your monk who calls me dear captain all day long although I am neither dear to him nor captain and much appreciated by the king who has already forgotten my name it is not less true I say that I shall return to my beautiful country cursed by the soldiers I had raised with the hopes of large pay cursed by the brave planchette of whom I borrowed a part of his fortune how is that what the devil had planchette to do in all this ha yes my friend but this king so spruce so smiling so adored miss your monk fancies he has recalled him you fancy you have supported him I fancy I have brought him back the people fancy they have reconquered him he himself fancies he has negotiated his restoration and yet nothing of all this is true for Charles the second king of England Scotland and Ireland has been replaced upon the throne by a French grocer who lives in the Rudolombard and is named planchette and such is grandeur vanity says the scripture vanity all is vanity Athos could not help laughing at this whimsical outbreak of his friend my dear d'Artagnan said he pressing his hand affectionately should you not exercise a little more philosophy is it not some further satisfaction to you to have saved my life as you did by arriving so fortunately with monk when those damned parliamentarians wanted to burn me alive well but you in some degree deserved a little burning my friend oh so what for having saved King Charles's million what million ah that is true you never knew that my friend but you must not be angry for it was not my secret that word remember which the king pronounced upon the scaffold and which means sous-vientois exactly that was signified remember there is a million buried in the vaults of Newcastle Abbey and that that million belongs to my son ah very well I understand but what I understand likewise and what is very frightful is that every time as Majesty Charles II will think of me he will say to himself there is the man who came very near making me lose my crown fortunately I was generous great full of presence of mind that will be said by the young gentleman in a shabby black doublet who came to the Chateau of Blois hat in hand to ask me if I would give him access to the King of France d'Artagnan d'Artagnan said Athos laying his hand on the shoulder of the musketeer you are unjust I have a right to be so no for you are ignorant of the future d'Artagnan looked his friend full in the face and began to laugh in truth my dear Athos said he you have some saying so superb that they only belong to you and Miss Sherlock Cardinal Mazarin Athos frowned slightly I beg your pardon continued d'Artagnan laughing I beg your pardon if I have offended you the future nine what pretty words are words that promise and how well they fill the mouth and default of other things more dear after having met with so many who promised when shall I find one who will give but let that pass continued d'Artagnan what are you doing here my dear Athos are you the King's treasurer how why the King's treasurer well since the King possesses a million he must want a treasurer the King of France although he is not worth a sue has still a superintendent of finance Mr. Fouquet it is true that in exchange Mr. Fouquet they say has a good number of millions of his own our million was spent long ago said Athos laughing in his turn I understand it was frittered away in satin precious stones velvet and feathers of all sorts and colors all these princes and princesses stood in great need of tailors and dressmakers Athos do you remember what we fellows spent in equipping ourselves for the campaign of La Rochelle and to make our appearance on horseback two or three thousand leaver by my faith but a King's robe is more ample it would require a million to purchase the stuff at least Athos if you are not treasurer you were on a good footing at court by the faith of a gentleman I know nothing about it said Athos simply what you know nothing about it no I have not seen the King since we left Dover he has forgotten you too more do that is shameful his majesty has had so much business to transact oh cried D'Artagnan with one of those intelligent grimaces which he alone knew how to make that is enough to make me recover my love for Miss senior Giulio Masarini what Athos the King has not seen you since then no and you are not furious I why should I be do you imagine my dear D'Artagnan that it was on the King's account I acted as I have done I did not know the young man I defended the father who represented a principle sacred in my eyes and I allowed myself to be drawn toward the son from sympathy for the same principle besides he was a worthy knight a noble creature that father do you remember him true he was a brave an excellent man who led a sad life but made a fine end well my dear D'Artagnan understand this to that King to that man of heart to that friend of my thoughts if I durst venture to say so I swore at the last hour to preserve faithfully the secret of a deposit which was to be transmitted to his son to assist him in his hour of need this young man came to me he described his destitution he was ignorant that he was anything to me save a living memory of his father I have accomplished towards Charles II what I promised Charles I that is all of what consequence is it to me then whether he be grateful or not it is to myself I have rendered a service by relieving myself of this responsibility and not to him well I have always said replied D'Artagnan with a sigh that disinterestedness was the finest thing in the world well and you my friend resumed Athos are you not in the same situation as myself if I have properly understood your words you allowed yourself to be affected by the misfortunes of this young man that on your part was much greater than it was upon mine for I had a duty to fulfill whilst you were under no obligation to the son of the martyr you had not on your part to pay him the price of that precious drop of blood which he let fall upon my brow through the floor of his scaffold that which made you act was heart alone the noble and good heart which you possess beneath your apparent skepticism and sarcastic irony you have engaged the fortune of a servitor and your own I suspect my benevolent miser and your sacrifice is not acknowledged of what consequence is it you wish to repay Planchet his money I can comprehend that my friend for it is not becoming an agentman to borrow from his inferior without returning to him principal and interest well I will sell the fare if necessary and if not with a little farm you shall pay Planchet and there will be enough believe me of corn left in my granaries for us too and Raoul in this way my friend you will be under obligations to nobody but yourself and if I know you well it will not be a small satisfaction to your mind to be able to say I have made a king am I right Athos Athos murmur d'Artagnan thoughtfully I have told you more than once that the day on which you will preach I shall attend the sermon the day on which you will tell me there is a hell more dear I shall be afraid of the gridiron and the pitchforks you are better than I or rather better than anybody and I only acknowledge the possession of one quality and that is of not being jealous except that defect dumb as the English say if I have not all the rest I know no one equal to d'Artagnan replied Athos but here we are having quietly reached this house I inhabit will you come in my friend eh why this is the tavern of the corn to surf I think said d'Artagnan I confess I chose it on purpose I like old acquaintances I like to sit down on that place whereon I sank overcome by fatigue overwhelmed with despair when you returned on the 31st of January after having discovered the abode of the masked executioner yes that was a terrible day come in then said Athos interrupting him they entered the large apartment formerly the common one the general in this room in particular had undergone great changes the ancient host of the musketeers having become tolerably rich for an innkeeper had closed his shop and made of this room of which we were speaking a storeroom for colonial provisions as for the rest of the house he led it ready furnished to strangers it was with unspeakable emotion d'Artagnan recognized all the furniture of the chamber of the first story the wainscotting the tapestries and even that geographical chart Porthos had so fondly studied in his moments of leisure it is eleven years ago cried d'Artagnan the more it appears to me a century and to me but a day said Athos imagine the joy I experienced my friend in seeing you there in pressing your hand in casting from me sword and dagger and tasting without mistrust this glass of sherry and oh what still further joy it would be if our two friends were there at the two corners of the tables and Raul my beloved Raul on the threshold looking at us with his large eyes that one so brilliant and so soft yes yes said d'Artagnan much affected that is true particularly of the first part of your thought it is very pleasant to smile there where we have so legitimately shuttered in thinking that from one moment to another miss sure more thought might appear upon the landing at this moment the door opened and d'Artagnan brave as he was could not restrain a slight movement of fright Athos understood him in smiling it is our host said he bringing me a letter yes my lord said the good man here is a letter for your honor thank you said Athos taking the letter without looking at it tell me my dear host if you do not remember this gentleman the old man raised his head and looked attentively at d'Artagnan no said he it is said Athos one of those friends of whom I have spoken to you and who lodged here with me eleven years ago oh but said the old man so many strangers have lodged here but we lodged here on the 30th of January 1649 added Athos believing he could stimulate the lazy memory of the host by this remark that is very possible replied he smiling but it is so long ago and he bowed and went out thank you said d'Artagnan perform exploits accomplish revolutions endeavor to engrave your name in stone or bronze with strong sorts there is something more rebellious more hard more forgetful than iron, bronze or stone and that is the brain of a lodging housekeeper rich in the trade he does not know me well I should have known him though Athos smiling at his friend's philosophy unsealed his letter ah said he a letter from Perry oh said d'Artagnan read it my friend no doubt it contains news Athos shook his head and read the king has experienced much regret at not seeing you today beside him at his entrance his majesty commands me to say so and to recall him to your memory his majesty will expect you this evening at the palace of St. James between nine and ten o'clock I am respectfully Mr. Lacombe your honor is very humble and very obedient servant Perry you see my dear d'Artagnan said Athos we must not despair of the hearts of kings not despair you are right to say so replied d'Artagnan oh my dear very dear friend resumed Athos whom the almost imperceptible bitterness of d'Artagnan had not escaped pardon me can I have unintentionally wounded my best comrade you are mad Athos I shall conduct you to the palace to the very gate I mean the walk will do me good you shall go in with me my friend I will speak to his majesty oh no no replied d'Artagnan with true pride free from all mixture if there is anything worse than begging yourself it is making others beg for you come let us go my friend there is a monk who has detained me with him a beautiful house by my faith being a general in England is better than being a Mara-Charline France pleased to know Athos allowed himself to be let along quite saddened by d'Artagnan's forced attempts at gaiety the whole city was in a state of joy the two friends were jostled at every moment by enthusiasts who required them in their intoxication to cry out long live good king Charles replied by a grunt and Athos by a smile they arrived thus in front of monk's house before which as we have said they had to pass on their way to St. James Athos and d'Artagnan said but little on the road for the simple reason that they would have had so many things to talk about if they had spoken Athos thought that by speaking he should have been satisfaction and that might wound d'Artagnan the latter feared that in speaking he should allow some little bitterness into his words which would render his company unpleasant to his friend it was a singular emulation of silence between contentment and ill-humour d'Artagnan gave way first to that itching at the tip of his tongue which he so habitually experienced do you remember Athos said he the passage of the memoir to Dominique in which that devoted servant a gascon like myself poor as myself relates instances of the meanness of Henry IV my father always told me I remember that Dominique was a liar but nevertheless examine how all the princes the issue of the great Henry keep up the character of the race nonsense said Athos the kings of France misers you are mad my friend oh you are so perfect yourself you never agree to the faults of others but in reality Henry IV was covetous Louis XIII his son was so likewise we know something of that don't we Gaston carried this vice to exaggeration and has made himself in this respect hated by all who surround him Henriette poor woman might well be avaricious she who did not eat every day and could not warm herself every winter as an example she has given to her son Charles II grandson of the great Henry IV who is as covetous as his mother and his grandfather see if I have well traced the genealogy of the misers D'Artagnan my friend quite Athos you are very rude toward that evil race called the Bourbons hey and I have forgotten the best instance of all the other grandson of the Baranese Louis XIV my ex-master well I hope he is miserly enough he who would not lend a million to his brother Charles good I see you are beginning to be angry here we are by good luck close to my house or rather to that of my friend Monk my dear D'Artagnan you do not make me angry you make me sad it is cruel in fact to see a man of your desserts out of the position his services it appears to me my dear friend that your name is as radiant as the greatest names in war and diplomacy tell me if the loins the Balagard and the Bessel Pierre have merited as we have fortunes and honors you are right my friend a hundred times right D'Artagnan sighed and proceeded his friend under the porch of the mansion Monk inhabited at the extremity of the city permit me said he to leave my purse at home for if in the crowd those clever pickpockets of London who are much boasted of even in Paris were to steal from me the remainder of my poor crowns I should not be able to return to France now content I left France and wild with joy I should return it seeing that all my prejudices of former days against England have returned accompanied by many others Athos made no reply so then my dear friend one second and I will follow you said D'Artagnan I know you are in a hurry to go yonder to receive your reward but believe me I am not less eager to partake of your joy although from a distance wait for me and D'Artagnan was already passing through the vestibule when a man a staff servant, a soldier who filled in Monk's establishment with double functions of porter and guard stopped our musketeer saying to him in English I beg your pardon my Lord D'Artagnan well reply the latter what is it is the general going to dismiss me I only needed to be expelled by him these words spoken in French made no impression upon the person to whom they were addressed scotch but Athos was grieved at them for he began to think D'Artagnan was not wrong the Englishman showed D'Artagnan a letter from the general said he I that's it my dismissal replied the Gascon must I read it Athos you must be deceived said Athos or I know no more honest people in the world but you and myself D'Artagnan shrugged his shoulders and unsealed the letter while the impassable Englishman held for him a large lantern by the light of which he was unable to read it well what is the matter said Athos seeing the countenance of the reader change read it yourself said the musketeer Athos took the paper and read Mr. D'Artagnan the king regrets very much you did not come to St. Paul's with his cortege he missed you as I also have missed you my dear captain there is but one means of repairing all this his majesty expects me at nine o'clock at the palace of St. James will you be there at the same time with me his gracious majesty appoints that hour for an audience he grants you this letter was from Monk end of chapter 32 recording by John Van Stan Savannah, Georgia chapter 33 of the D'Artagnan romances volume 3 part 1 by Alexander Dumas translated by William Robson this LibriVox recording is in the public domain the audience well cried Athos with a mild look of reproach when D'Artagnan had read the letter addressed to him by Monk well said D'Artagnan read with pleasure and a little with shame at having so hastily accused the king and Monk this is a politeness which leads to nothing it is true but yet it is a politeness I had great difficulty in believing the young prince ungrateful said Athos the fact is that his present is still too near his past replied D'Artagnan after all everything to the present moment proved me right I acknowledge it my dear friend I acknowledge it ah there is your cheerful look returned you cannot think how delighted I am thus you see said D'Artagnan Charles II receives Mr. Monk at nine o'clock he will receive me at ten it is a grand audience of the sort which at the Louvre are called distributions of court holy water come let us go and place ourselves under the spout my dear friend come along Athos replied nothing and both directed their steps at a quick pace toward the palace of St. James's which the crowd still surrounded to catch through the windows the shadows of the couriers and the reflection of the royal person the clock was striking when the two friends took their places in the gallery filled with couriers and politicians everyone looked at these simply dressed men in foreign costumes at these two noble heads so full of character and meaning on their side Athos and D'Artagnan having with two glances taken the measure of the whole assembly resumed their chat great noise was suddenly heard at the extremity of the gallery it was General Monk who entered followed by more than twenty officers all eager for a smile as only the evening before he was master of all England and a glorious morrow was looked to for the restorer of the Stuart family gentlemen said Monk turning round hence forward I beg you to remember that I am no longer anything lately I commanded the principal army of the Republic now that army is the kings into whose hands I am about to surrender at his command my power of yesterday great surprise was painted on all the countenances and the circle of agilators in suppliance which surrounded Monk an instant before was enlarged by degrees and ended by being lost in the large undulations of the crowd Monk was going into the anti-chamber as others did D'Artagnan could not help remarking this to the Comp de la Faire who frowned on beholding it suddenly the door of the royal apartment opened and the young king appeared preceded by two officers of his household good evening gentlemen said he is general Monk here I am here sire replied the old general Charles stepped hastily towards him and seized his hand with the warmest demonstration of friendship general said the king aloud I have just signed your patent you are Duke of Albemarle my intention is that no one shall equal you in power and fortune in this kingdom where the noble Montrose accepted no one has equaled you in loyalty, courage and talent gentlemen the Duke is commander of our armies of land and sea pay him your respects if you please in that character whilst everyone was pressing round the general who received all this homage without losing his impassability for an instant D'Artagnan said to Athos when one thinks that this duchy this commander of the land and sea forces all these grandeurs in a word would have been shut up in a box six feet long and three feet wide my friend replied Athos much more imposing grandeurs are confined in boxes still smaller and remain there forever all at once Monk perceived the two gentlemen who held themselves aside until the crowd had diminished he made himself a passage toward them so that he surprised them in the midst of their philosophical reflections were you speaking of me said he with a smile my lord replied Athos we were speaking likewise of God Monk reflected for a moment and then replied Gaely gentlemen let us speak a little of the king likewise if you please for you have I believe an audience of his majesty at nine o'clock said Athos at ten o'clock said D'Artagnan let us go into this closet at once replied Monk making a sign to his two companions to precede him but to that neither would consent the king during this discussion so characteristic of the French had returned to the center of the gallery oh my Frenchman said he in that tone of careless gaiety which in spite of so much grief and so many crosses he had never lost my Frenchman my consolation Athos and D'Artagnan bowed Duke conduct these gentlemen into my study I am at your service, monsieur added he in French and he promptly expedited his court to return to his Frenchman as he called them monsieur D'Artagnan said he as he entered his closet I am glad to see you again Sire my joy is at its heights at having the honor to salute your majesty in your own palace of St. James's monsieur you have been willing to render me a great service and I owe you my gratitude for it if I did not fear to intrude upon the rights of our commanding general I would offer you some post worthy of you near our person Sire replied D'Artagnan I have quitted the service of the king of France making a promise to my prince not to serve any other king said Charles I am sorry to hear that I should like to do much for you I like you very much Sire but let us see said Charles with a smile if we cannot make you break your word Duke assist me if you were offered that is to say if I offered you the chief command of my musketeers D'Artagnan bowed lower than before I should have the regret to refuse what your gracious majesty would offer me said he a gentleman has but his word and that word as I have had the honor to tell your majesty is engaged to the king of France we shall say no more about it then said the king turning toward Athos and leaving D'Artagnan plunged in the deepest pangs of disappointment ha I said so muttered the musketeer words, words court holy water kings have always a marvelous talent for offering us that which they know we will not accept and an appearing generous without risk so be it triple full that I was to have hoped for a moment during this time Charles took the hand of Athos copped said he you have been to me a second father the services you have rendered me are above all price I have nevertheless thought of a recompense you were created by my father a knight of the garter that is an order which all the kings of Europe cannot bear by the queen regent knight of the holy ghost which is in order not less illustrious I joined to it that of the golden fleece sent me by the king of France to whom the king of Spain his father-in-law gave to on the occasion of his marriage but in return I have a service to ask of you Sire said Athos with confusion the golden fleece for me when the king of France is the only person in my country who enjoys that distinction I wish you to be in your country and all others the equal of all those whom sovereigns have honored with their favor said Charles drawing the chain from his neck and I am sure comped my father smiles on me from his grave it is unaccountably strange said D'Artagnan to himself whilst his friend on his knees received the eminent order which the king conferred on him it is almost incredible that I have always seen showers of prosperity fall upon all who surround me and that not a drop ever reached me if I were a jealous man it would be enough to make one tear one's hair parole Donner Athos rose from his knees and Charles embraced him tenderly general said he to monk then stopping with a smile pardon me Duke I mean I wonder if I make a mistake the word Duke is too short for me I always seek some title to lengthen it I should wish to see you so near my throne that I might say to you as Louis the 14th my brother I have it and you will be almost my brother for I make you viceroy of Ireland end of Scotland my dear Duke so after that fashion hence forward I shall not make a mistake the Duke sees the hand of the king but without enthusiasm without joy as he did everything his heart however had been moved by this last favour Charles by skillfully husbanding his generosity had given the Duke time to wish although he might not have wished for so much as was given him more dear grumbled D'Artagnan there is the shower beginning again it is enough to turn one's brain and he turned away with an air so sorrowful and so comically piteous that the king who caught it could not restrain a smile monk was preparing to leave the room to take leave of Charles what my trusty and well-beloved said the king to the Duke are you going with your majesty's permission for in truth I am weary the emotions of the day have worn me out I stand in need of rest but said the king you are not going without Mr. D'Artagnan I hope why not Sire said the old warrior well you know very well why said the king monk looked at Charles with astonishment oh it may be possible but if you forget you Mr. D'Artagnan do not astonishment was painted on the face of the musketeer well then Duke said the king do you not lodge with Mr. D'Artagnan I have the honor of offering Mr. D'Artagnan a lodging yes Sire that idea is your own and your solely mine and mine only yes Sire well but it could not be otherwise the prisoner always lodges with his conqueror monk collared in his turn ah that is true said he I am Mr. D'Artagnan's prisoner without doubt Duke since you are not yet ransomed by that it was I who took you out of Mr. D'Artagnan's hand and it is I who will pay your ransom the eyes of D'Artagnan regained their gaiety and their brilliancy the gas gun began to understand Charles advanced towards him other general said he is not rich and cannot pay you what he is worth I am richer certainly than Duke and if not a king almost a king he is worth a sum I could not perhaps pay come Mr. D'Artagnan be moderate with me how much do I owe you D'Artagnan delighted at the turn things were taking but not for a moment losing his self-possession replied Sire your majesty has no occasion to be alarmed when I had the good fortune to take his grace it was only a general it is therefore only a general's ransom that is due to me but if the general will have the kindness to deliver me his sword I shall consider myself paid for there is nothing in the world but the general's sword which is worth so much as himself odds fish as my father said cried Charles that is a gallant proposal and a gallant man upon my honor yes Sire and he drew his sword Mr. said he to D'Artagnan here is what you demand many may have handled a better blade but however modest mine may be I have never surrendered it to anyone D'Artagnan received with pride the sword which had just made a king oh ho cried Charles a second what a sword that has restored me to my throne to go out of the kingdom and not one day to figure among the crown jewels no on my soul that shall not be Captain D'Artagnan I will give you two hundred thousand crowns for your sword if that is too little say so it is too little Sire replied D'Artagnan in the first place I do not at all wish to sell it but your majesty desires me to do so and that is in order I obey then but the respect I owe to the illustrious warrior who hears me commands me to estimate at a third more the reward of my victory I ask then three hundred thousand crowns for the sword or I shall give it to your majesty for nothing and taking it by the point he presented it to the king Charles broke into hilarious laughter ha ha gallant man and a merry companion hard's fish is he not Duke is he not comped he pleases me I like him here take this and going to the table he took a pen and wrote in order upon his treasurer for three hundred thousand crowns D'Artagnan took it and gave it to him I have asked too little I know he said but believe me your grace I would rather have died then allow myself to be governed by avarice the king began to laugh again like the happiest cockney of his kingdom you will come and see me again before you go Chevalier he said I shall want to lay in a stock of gaiety now my Frenchmen are leaving me ah Sire it will not be with the gaiety as with the Duke's sword I will give it to your majesty gratis replied D'Artagnan whose feet scarcely seem to touch the ground and you comped added Charles turning toward Athos come again also I have an important message to confide to you your hand Duke Monk pressed the hand of the king adieu gentlemen said Charles holding out each of his hands to the two Frenchmen who carried them to their lips well said Athos when they were out of the palace are you satisfied hush said D'Artagnan wild with joy I have not yet returned from the treasurers a shudder may fall upon my head end of chapter 33 recording by John Vanstan Savannah Georgia