"'Decidedly he is a man of wit and sense,' muttered Athos to
himself.

"'And now that you are all assembled, gentlemen,' said
D'Artagnan, 'allow me to apologise to you.'

"At the word apologise, a cloud passed across the features of
Athos, Porthos smiled contemptuously, Aramis made a negative
sign.

"'You do not understand me, gentlemen,' said D'Artagnan raising
his head proudly. 'I only apologise in case I should not be able
to pay my debt to all of you; for Monsieur Athos has the right to
kill me the first, which greatly diminishes the value of my debt
to you, Monsieur Porthos, and renders that to Monsieur Aramis
nearly worthless. And now, gentlemen, I say again, accept my
apologies, but on that account only--and to work!'

"And so saying, he drew his sword with the most fearless and
gallant mien possible to be seen. His blood was up, and at that
moment he would have fought not only Athos, Porthos, and Aramis,
but the whole regiment of mousquetaires.

"'When you please, sir,' said Athos, putting himself on guard.

"'I was waiting your orders,' returned D'Artagnan.

"But the two rapiers had scarcely clashed together, when five of
the Cardinal's guards, commanded by Monsieur de Jussac, appeared
from behind a corner of the convent.

"'The Cardinal's guards!' exclaimed Porthos and Aramis. 'Sheath
your swords, gentlemen!'

"But it was too late. The combatants had been seen in an attitude
that left no doubt as to their pugnacious intentions.

"'Hola!' cried Jussac advancing towards them, followed by his
men. 'Hola, mousquetaires! fighting here? And the edicts. We have
forgotten them, eh?'

"'Your generosity is really remarkable, gentlemen of the
guards,' said Athos bitterly, for Jussac had been one of the
aggressors in the recent affray. 'I promise you that if we saw
you fighting we would not interrupt you. Leave us alone, then,
and you will have your amusement for nothing.'

"'Gentlemen,' said Jussac, 'I am grieved to tell you that the
thing is impossible. Duty before every thing. Be pleased to
sheath your swords, and follow us.'

"'Sir,' replied Aramis, parodying Jussac's manner, 'we should
have the greatest pleasure in accepting your polite invitation,
if it depended upon us so to do, but unfortunately th