e to lose; the drum beats; I observed cannon on the road; I
saw the citizens in order of battle on the Place of the Hotel de Ville;
certainly the fight will be in the direction of Charenton, as the Duc de
Chatillon said."

"I supposed," said Athos, "that last night's conferences would modify
those warlike arrangements."

"No doubt; but they will fight, none the less, if only to mask the
conferences."

"Poor creatures!" said Athos, "who are going to be killed, in order that
Monsieur de Bouillon may have his estate at Sedan restored to him, that
the reversion of the admiralty may be given to the Duc de Beaufort, and
that the coadjutor may be made a cardinal."

"Come, come, dear Athos, confess that you would not be so philosophical
if your Raoul were to be involved in this affair."

"Perhaps you speak the truth, Aramis."

"Well, let us go, then, where the fighting is, for that is the most
likely place to meet with D'Artagnan, Porthos, and possibly even Raoul.
Stop, there are a fine body of citizens passing; quite attractive, by
Jupiter! and their captain--see! he has the true military style."

"What, ho!" said Grimaud.

"What?" asked Athos.

"Planchet, sir."

"Lieutenant yesterday," said Aramis, "captain to-day, colonel,
doubtless, to-morrow; in a fortnight the fellow will be marshal of
France."

"Question him about the fight," said Athos.

Planchet, prouder than ever of his new duties, deigned to explain to the
two gentlemen that he was ordered to take up his position on the Place
Royale with two hundred men, forming the rear of the army of Paris, and
to march on Charenton when necessary.

"This day will be a warm one," said Planchet, in a warlike tone.

"No doubt," said Aramis, "but it is far from here to the enemy."

"Sir, the distance will be diminished," said a subordinate.

Aramis saluted, then turning toward Athos:

"I don't care to camp on the Place Royale with all these people," he
said. "Shall we go forward? We shall see better what is going on."

"And then Monsieur de Chatillon will not come to the Place Royale to
look for you. Come, then, my friend, we will go forward."

"Haven't you something to say to Monsieur de Flamarens on your own
account?"

"My friend," said Athos, "I have made a resolution never to draw my
sword save when it is absolutely necessary."

"And how long ago was that?"

"When I last drew my poniard."

"Ah! Good! another souvenir of Monsieur Mordaunt. Well, my fri