e the iron gate of the
Place Royale, when they perceived three cavaliers, D'Artagnan, Porthos,
and Planchet, the two former wrapped up in their military cloaks under
which their swords were hidden, and Planchet, his musket by his side.
They were waiting at the entrance of the Rue Sainte Catharine, and
their horses were fastened to the rings of the arcade. Athos, therefore,
commanded Bazin to fasten up his horse and that of Aramis in the same
manner.

They then advanced two and two, and saluted each other politely.

"Now where will it be agreeable to you that we hold our conference?"
inquired Aramis, perceiving that people were stopping to look at them,
supposing that they were going to engage in one of those far-famed
duels still extant in the memory of the Parisians, and especially the
inhabitants of the Place Royale.

"The gate is shut," said Aramis, "but if these gentlemen like a cool
retreat under the trees, and perfect seclusion, I will get the key from
the Hotel de Rohan and we shall be well suited."

D'Artagnan darted a look into the obscurity of the Place. Porthos
ventured to put his head between the railings, to try if his glance
could penetrate the gloom.

"If you prefer any other place," said Athos, in his persuasive voice,
"choose for yourselves."

"This place, if Monsieur d'Herblay can procure the key, is the best that
we can have," was the answer.

Aramis went off at once, begging Athos not to remain alone within reach
of D'Artagnan and Porthos; a piece of advice which was received with a
contemptuous smile.

Aramis returned soon with a man from the Hotel de Rohan, who was saying
to him:

"You swear, sir, that it is not so?"

"Stop," and Aramis gave him a louis d'or.

"Ah! you will not swear, my master," said the concierge, shaking his
head.

"Well, one can never say what may happen; at present we and these
gentlemen are excellent friends."

"Yes, certainly," added Athos and the other two.

D'Artagnan had heard the conversation and had understood it.

"You see?" he said to Porthos.

"What do I see?"

"That he wouldn't swear."

"Swear what?"

"That man wanted Aramis to swear that we are not going to the Place
Royale to fight."

"And Aramis wouldn't swear?"

"No."

"Attention, then!"

Athos did not lose sight of the two speakers. Aramis opened the gate
and faced around in order that D'Artagnan and Porthos might enter. In
passing through the gate, the hilt of the lieutenant's