th which the worthy Porthos had been
willing to be satisfied, nothing had changed in appearance in the fate
of the one or of the other. "Only," said Aramis, "there is D'Artagnan's
idea."

D'Artagnan did not return on board without examining to the bottom the
idea he had discovered. Now, we know that when D'Artagnan did examine,
according to custom, daylight pierced through. As to the officer, become
mute again, he left him full measure to meditate. Therefore, on putting
his foot on board his vessel, moored within cannon-shot of the island,
the captain of the musketeers had already got together all his means,
offensive and defensive.

He immediately assembled his counsel, which consisted of the officers
serving under his orders. These were eight in number: a chief of the
maritime forces; a major directing the artillery; an engineer, the
officer we are acquainted with, and four lieutenants. Having assembled
them in the chamber of the poop, D'Artagnan arose, took off his hat, and
addressed them thus:

"Gentlemen. I have been to reconnoiter Belle-Isle-en-Mer, and I have
found in it a good and solid garrison; moreover, preparations are made
for a defense that may prove troublesome. I therefore intend to send for
two of the principal officers of the place, that we may converse with
them. Having separated them from their troops and their cannon, we shall
be better able to deal with them: particularly with good reasoning. Is
this your opinion, gentlemen?"

The major of artillery rose.

"Monsieur," said he, with respect, but with firmness, "I have heard you
say that the place is preparing to make a troublesome defense. The place
is, then, as you know, determined upon rebellion?"

D'Artagnan was visibly put out by this reply; but he was not a man to
allow himself to be subdued by so little, and resumed:

"Monsieur," said he, "your reply is just. But you are ignorant that
Belle-Isle is a fief of M. Fouquet's, and the ancient kings gave the
right to the seigneurs of Belle-Isle to arm their people."

The major made a movement.

"Oh! do not interrupt me," continued D'Artagnan. "You are going to tell
me that that right to arm themselves against the English was not a right
to arm themselves against their king. But it is not M. Fouquet, I
suppose, who holds Belle-Isle at this moment, since I arrested M.
Fouquet the day before yesterday. Now the inhabitants and defenders of
Belle-Isle know nothing of that arrest. You would ann