this kind of thing there's
no need to go over the ground a second time."

"Ah! it was this gentleman?" said D'Artagnan, bowing to the officer.
"I am sorry he does not speak French, that I might tender him my
compliments."

"I am ready to receive and return them, sir," said the officer, in
pretty good French, "for I resided three years in Paris."

"Then, sir, allow me to assure you that your blow was so well directed
that you have nearly killed your man."

"Nearly? I thought I had quite," said Groslow.

"No. It was a very near thing, but he is not dead."

As he said this, D'Artagnan gave a glance at Parry, who was standing in
front of the king, to show him that the news was meant for him.

The king, too, who had listened in the greatest agony, now breathed
again.

"Hang it," said Groslow, "I thought I had succeeded better. If it were
not so far from here to the house I would return and finish him."

"And you would do well, if you are afraid of his recovering; for you
know, if a wound in the head does not kill at once, it is cured in a
week."

And D'Artagnan threw a second glance toward Parry, on whose face such an
expression of joy was manifested that Charles stretched out his hand to
him, smiling.

Parry bent over his master's hand and kissed it respectfully.

"I've a great desire to drink the king's health," said Athos.

"Let me propose it, then," said D'Artagnan.

"Do," said Aramis.

Porthos looked at D'Artagnan, quite amazed at the resources with which
his companion's Gascon sharpness continually supplied him. D'Artagnan
took up his camp tin cup, filled it with wine and arose.

"Gentlemen," said he, "let us drink to him who presides at the repast.
Here's to our colonel, and let him know that we are always at his
commands as far as London and farther."

And as D'Artagnan, as he spoke, looked at Harrison, the colonel imagined
the toast was for himself. He arose and bowed to the four friends, whose
eyes were fixed on Charles, while Harrison emptied his glass without the
slightest misgiving.

The king, in return, looked at the four gentlemen and drank with a smile
full of nobility and gratitude.

"Come, gentlemen," cried Harrison, regardless of his illustrious
captive, "let us be off."

"Where do we sleep, colonel?"

"At Thirsk," replied Harrison.

"Parry," said the king, rising too, "my horse; I desire to go to
Thirsk."

"Egad!" said D'Artagnan to Athos, "your king has thoroughly taken me