as they could the
disgust they felt in the presence of such coarseness and brutality.

In short, Groslow seemed to be pleased with his reception.

Athos and Aramis kept themselves to their role. At midnight they
withdrew to their chamber, the door of which was left open on the
pretext of kindly consideration. Furthermore, D'Artagnan went with them,
leaving Porthos at play with Groslow.

Porthos gained fifty pistoles from Groslow, and found him a more
agreeable companion than he had at first believed him to be.

As to Groslow, he promised himself that on the following evening he
would recover from D'Artagnan what he had lost to Porthos, and on
leaving reminded the Gascon of his appointment.

The next day was spent as usual. D'Artagnan went from Captain Groslow
to Colonel Harrison and from Colonel Harrison to his friends. To any one
not acquainted with him he seemed to be in his normal condition; but to
his friends--to Athos and Aramis--was apparent a certain feverishness in
his gayety.

"What is he contriving?" asked Aramis.

"Wait," said Athos.

Porthos said nothing, but he handled in his pocket the fifty pistoles
he had gained from Groslow with a degree of satisfaction which betrayed
itself in his whole bearing.

Arrived at Ryston, D'Artagnan assembled his friends. His face had lost
the expression of careless gayety it had worn like a mask the whole day.
Athos pinched Aramis's hand.

"The moment is at hand," he said.

"Yes," returned D'Artagnan, who had overheard him, "to-night, gentlemen,
we rescue the king."

"D'Artagnan," said Athos, "this is no joke, I trust? It would quite cut
me up."

"You are a very odd man, Athos," he replied, "to doubt me thus. Where
and when have you seen me trifle with a friend's heart and a king's
life? I have told you, and I repeat it, that to-night we rescue Charles
I. You left it to me to discover the means and I have done so."

Porthos looked at D'Artagnan with an expression of profound admiration.
Aramis smiled as one who hopes. Athos was pale, and trembled in every
limb.

"Speak," said Athos.

"We are invited," replied D'Artagnan, "to pass the night with M.
Groslow. But do you know where?"

"No."

"In the king's room."

"The king's room?" cried Athos.

"Yes, gentlemen, in the king's room. Groslow is on guard there this
evening, and to pass the time away he has invited us to keep him
company."

"All four of us?" asked Athos.

"Pardieu! certainly, all fo