t is the wind."

"Now climb up, Athos, quickly," said D'Artagnan. Athos, assisted by
Porthos, who lifted him up like a feather, arrived at the top.

"Now, jump down, Athos."

Athos jumped and disappeared on the other side of the wall.

"Are you on the ground?" asked D'Artagnan.

"Yes."

"Without accident?"

"Perfectly safe and sound."

"Porthos, whilst I get up, watch the cardinal. No, I don't want your
help, watch the cardinal."

"I am watching," said Porthos. "Well?"

"You are right; it is more difficult than I thought. Lend me your
back--but don't let the cardinal go."

Porthos lent him his back and D'Artagnan was soon on the summit of the
wall, where he seated himself.

Mazarin pretended to laugh.

"Are you there?" asked Porthos.

"Yes, my friend; and now----"

"Now, what?" asked Porthos.

"Now give me the cardinal up here; if he makes any noise stifle him."

Mazarin wished to call out, but Porthos held him tight and passed him
to D'Artagnan, who seized him by the neck and made him sit down by him;
then in a menacing tone, he said:

"Sir! jump directly down, close to Monsieur de la Fere, or, on the honor
of a gentleman, I'll kill you!"

"Monsieur, monsieur," cried Mazarin, "you are breaking your word to me!"

"I--did I promise you anything, my lord?"

Mazarin groaned.

"You are free," he said, "through me; your liberty was my ransom."

"Agreed; but the ransom of that immense treasure buried under the
gallery, to which one descends on pushing a spring hidden in the wall,
which causes a tub to turn, revealing a staircase--must not one speak of
that a little, my lord?"

"Diavolo!" cried Mazarin, almost choked, and clasping his hands; "I am a
lost and ruined man!"

But without listening to his protestations of alarm, D'Artagnan slipped
him gently down into the arms of Athos, who stood immovable at the
bottom of the wall.

Porthos next made an effort which shook the solid wall, and by the aid
of his friend's hand gained the summit.

"I didn't understand it all," he said, "but I understand now; how droll
it is!"

"You think so? so much the better; but that it may prove laughter-worthy
even to the end, let us not lose time." And he jumped off the wall.

Porthos did the same.

"Attend to monsieur le cardinal, gentlemen," said D'Artagnan; "for
myself, I will reconnoitre."

The Gascon then drew his sword and marched as avant guard.

"My lord," he said, "which way do we go? Think wel