preceded them by about fifty paces.
They made all speed to come up to this gentleman, who appeared to be
in great haste. His boots were covered with dust, and he inquired if he
could not instantly cross over to England.

"Nothing would be more easy," said the captain of a vessel ready to
set sail, "but this morning came an order to let no one leave without
express permission from the cardinal."

"I have that permission," said the gentleman, drawing the paper from his
pocket; "here it is."

"Have it examined by the governor of the port," said the shipmaster,
"and give me the preference."

"Where shall I find the governor?"

"At his country house."

"And that is situated?"

"At a quarter of a league from the city. Look, you may see it from
here--at the foot of that little hill, that slated roof."

"Very well," said the gentleman. And, with his lackey, he took the road
to the governor's country house.

D'Artagnan and Planchet followed the gentleman at a distance of five
hundred paces. Once outside the city, d'Artagnan overtook the gentleman
as he was entering a little wood.

"Monsieur, you appear to be in great haste?"

"No one can be more so, monsieur."

"I am sorry for that," said d'Artagnan; "for as I am in great haste
likewise, I wish to beg you to render me a service."

"What?"

"To let me sail first."

"That's impossible," said the gentleman; "I have traveled sixty leagues
in forty hours, and by tomorrow at midday I must be in London."

"I have performed that same distance in forty hours, and by ten o'clock
in the morning I must be in London."

"Very sorry, monsieur; but I was here first, and will not sail second."

"I am sorry, too, monsieur; but I arrived second, and must sail first."

"The king's service!" said the gentleman.

"My own service!" said d'Artagnan.

"But this is a needless quarrel you seek with me, as it seems to me."

"PARBLEU! What do you desire it to be?"

"What do you want?"

"Would you like to know?"

"Certainly."

"Well, then, I wish that order of which you are bearer, seeing that I
have not one of my own and must have one."

"You jest, I presume."

"I never jest."

"Let me pass!"

"You shall not pass."

"My brave young man, I will blow out your brains. HOLA, Lubin, my
pistols!"

"Planchet," called out d'Artagnan, "take care of the lackey; I will
manage the master."

Planchet, emboldened by the first exploit, sprang upon Lubin; and being
strong and