g up and down the library stairs,
much mounting upon step-ladders, and tumbling of paper and parchment,
much grumbling of puzzled librarians and disappointed applicants,
until at last, the most obstinate became convinced that the aforesaid
MS. had no existence save in the imagination of M. Dumas, who had, as
it is vulgarly styled, "taken a rise" out of the public.

In the spring of the year 1625, a young Gascon gentleman named
D'Artagnan, left his home to seek fortune at Paris. He was mounted on
an ill-looking cob, some fourteen years of age--that is to say,
within four years as old as its rider; the sword which his father
buckled on him at parting, was more remarkable for its length than its
elegance; his purse contained fifteen crowns, and his valise a couple
of shirts. To compensate for this meagre equipment, he rode like a
Tartar, and fenced like a St George; and was moreover possessed of
three qualifications invaluable to a man who has his way to make in
the world--a clear head, a light heart, and a courage that nothing
could daunt. One thing more he had; a letter of recommendation from
his father to Monsieur de Treville, captain of the mousquetaires, or
body-guards, of his Majesty Louis the Thirteenth.

Nearly the last words of the worthy old Gascon, who was compelled by
his poverty to send his son forth into the world thus slenderly
provided, were an injunction to honour the King and Cardinal
Richelieu, then in the zenith of his power, and to fight as often as
he could get an opportunity. With such counsels yet ringing in his
ears, it is not surprising, that before reaching Paris young
D'Artagnan gets into a very pretty quarrel against overpowering odds,
is somewhat maltreated, and, while senseless from the blows he has
received, has his letter stolen from him by an emissary of the
Cardinal, among whose political enemies M. de Treville stands in the
foremost rank. The young adventurer, however, consoles himself for his
loss, shakes his feathers, and arrives at Paris without further
accident. Before entering the capital he disposes of his horse, of
whose uncouth appearance he is heartily ashamed; and after improving
his toilet as well as his scanty wardrobe will allow, he proceeds to
the hotel of Monsieur de Treville, where he falls in with the three
mousquetaires who give a title to the book, in which, however,
D'Artagnan plays the most conspicuous and important part. He finds the
hotel Treville throned with ap