rgo than at us."

"I shall not trust to that," said the lieutenant, "and I shall make for
the Dunes* as soon as possible."

*Sandy hills about Dunkirk, from which it derives its name.

The party followed him and soon disappeared with him behind the hillocks
of sand unobserved. Here, after a short conference, they proposed to
separate.

"And why separate?" asked Athos.

"Because," answered the Gascon, "we were sent, Porthos and I, by
Cardinal Mazarin to fight for Cromwell; instead of fighting for Cromwell
we have served Charles I.--not the same thing by any means. In returning
with the Comte de la Fere and Monsieur d'Herblay our crime would be
confirmed. We have circumvented Cromwell, Mordaunt, and the sea, but we
shall find a certain difficulty in circumventing Mazarin."

"You forget," replied Athos, "that we consider ourselves your prisoners
and not free from the engagement we entered into."

"Truly, Athos," interrupted D'Artagnan, "I am vexed that such a man
as you are should talk nonsense which schoolboys would be ashamed of.
Chevalier," he continued, addressing Aramis, who, leaning proudly on his
sword, seemed to agree with his companion, "Chevalier, Porthos and I run
no risk; besides, should any ill-luck happen to two of us, will it not
be much better that the other two should be spared to assist those who
may be apprehended? Besides, who knows whether, divided, we may not
obtain a pardon--you from the queen, we from Mazarin--which, were we all
four together, would never be granted. Come, Athos and Aramis, go to the
right; Porthos, come with me to the left; these gentlemen should file
off into Normandy, whilst we, by the nearest road, reach Paris."

He then gave his friends minute directions as to their route.

"Ah! my dear friend," exclaimed Athos, "how I should admire the
resources of your mind did I not stop to adore those of your heart."

And he gave him his hand.

"Isn't this fox a genius, Athos?" asked the Gascon. "No! he knows how to
crunch fowls, to dodge the huntsman and to find his way home by day or
by night, that's all. Well, is all said?"

"All."

"Then let's count our money and divide it. Ah! hurrah! there's the sun!
A merry morning to you, Sunshine. 'Tis a long time since I saw thee!"

"Come, come, D'Artagnan," said Athos, "do not affect to be
strong-minded; there are tears in your eyes. Let us be open with each
other and sincere."

"What!" cried the Gascon, "do you think, A