ched the game.

Athos seemed to grow calm as the critical moment approached. With
his white, aristocratic hands he played with the louis, bending and
straightening them again, as if they were made of pewter. Aramis, less
self-controlled, fumbled continually with his hidden poniard. Porthos,
impatient at his continued losses, kept up a vigorous play with his
knee.

D'Artagnan turned, mechanically looking behind him, and between the
figures of two soldiers he could see Parry standing up and Charles
leaning on his elbow with his hands clasped and apparently offering a
fervent prayer to God.

D'Artagnan saw that the moment was come. He darted a preparatory glance
at Athos and Aramis, who slyly pushed their chairs a little back so
as to leave themselves more space for action. He gave Porthos a second
nudge of the knee and Porthos got up as if to stretch his legs and
took care at the same time to ascertain that his sword could be drawn
smoothly from the scabbard.

"Hang it!" cried D'Artagnan, "another twenty pistoles lost. Really,
Captain Groslow, you are too much in fortune's way. This can't last,"
and he drew another twenty from his pocket. "One more turn, captain;
twenty pistoles on one throw--only one, the last."

"Done for twenty," replied Groslow.

And he turned up two cards as usual, a king for D'Artagnan and an ace
for himself.

"A king," said D'Artagnan; "it's a good omen, Master Groslow--look out
for the king."

And in spite of his extraordinary self-control there was a strange
vibration in the Gascon's voice which made his partner start.

Groslow began turning the cards one after another. If he turned up an
ace first he won; if a king he lost.

He turned up a king.

"At last!" cried D'Artagnan.

At this word Athos and Aramis jumped up. Porthos drew back a step.
Daggers and swords were just about to shine, when suddenly the door was
thrown open and Harrison appeared in the doorway, accompanied by a man
enveloped in a large cloak. Behind this man could be seen the glistening
muskets of half a dozen soldiers.

Groslow jumped up, ashamed at being surprised in the midst of wine,
cards, and dice. But Harrison paid not the least attention to him, and
entering the king's room, followed by his companion:

"Charles Stuart," said he, "an order has come to conduct you to London
without stopping day or night. Prepare yourself, then, to start at
once."

"And by whom is this order given?" asked the king.

"