nk the count will be angry with me?"

"Think it? I'm certain of it; were it not for that, I should thank you,
for you have worked for us. However, I scold you instead of him, and
in his place; the storm will blow over more easily, believe me. And
moreover, my dear child," continued D'Artagnan, "I am making use of the
privilege conceded to me by your guardian."

"I do not understand you, sir," said Raoul.

D'Artagnan rose, and taking a letter from his writing-desk, presented
it to Raoul. The face of the latter became serious when he had cast his
eyes upon the paper.

"Oh, mon Dieu!" he said, raising his fine eyes to D'Artagnan, moist with
tears, "the count has left Paris without seeing me?"

"He left four days ago," said D'Artagnan.

"But this letter seems to intimate that he is about to incur danger,
perhaps death."

"He--he--incur danger of death! No, be not anxious; he is traveling
on business and will return ere long. I hope you have no repugnance to
accept me as your guardian in the interim."

"Oh, no, Monsieur d'Artagnan," said Raoul, "you are such a brave
gentleman and the Comte de la Fere has so much affection for you!"

"Eh! Egad! love me too; I will not torment you much, but only on
condition that you become a Frondist, my young friend, and a hearty
Frondist, too."

"But can I continue to visit Madame de Chevreuse?"

"I should say you could! and the coadjutor and Madame de Longueville;
and if the worthy Broussel were there, whom you so stupidly helped
arrest, I should tell you to excuse yourself to him at once and kiss him
on both cheeks."

"Well, sir, I will obey you, although I do not understand you."

"It is unnecessary for you to understand. Hold," continued D'Artagnan,
turning toward the door, which had just opened, "here is Monsieur du
Vallon, who comes with his coat torn."

"Yes, but in exchange," said Porthos, covered with perspiration and
soiled by dust, "in exchange, I have torn many skins. Those wretches
wanted to take away my sword! Deuce take 'em, what a popular commotion!"
continued the giant, in his quiet manner; "but I knocked down more than
twenty with the hilt of Balizarde. A draught of wine, D'Artagnan."

"Oh, I'll answer for you," said the Gascon, filling Porthos's glass to
the brim; "but when you have drunk, give me your opinion."

"Upon what?" asked Porthos.

"Look here," resumed D'Artagnan; "here is Monsieur de Bragelonne, who
determined at all risks to aid the arrest