ce, but his glance said how much he
stood in need of it. With a single bound, D'Artagnan was upon
Cahusac's flank.

"'Have a care, sir guardsman,' cried he, 'or I slay you on the
spot.'

"Cahusac turned to face his new opponent. It was high time, for
Athos, who had only been sustained by his extreme courage, sank
upon one knee.

"'_Sangdieu!_' cried he to D'Artagnan, 'do not kill him, young
man, I beg of you; I have an old quarrel to terminate with him
when my wound is healed. Disarm him only--So--Well done!'

"This last exclamation was caused by Cahusac's sword, which flew
from his hand to a distance of twenty paces. D'Artagnan and
Cahusac rushed to pick it up, but D'Artagnan reached it first,
and put his foot upon it. Cahusac ran to the guardsman whom
Aramis had killed, took his rapier, and was returning to
D'Artagnan; but on his road he met Athos, who had taken breath
during the moment's respite which the latter had procured him,
and now recommenced the fight, fearing that the Gascon would kill
his enemy. D'Artagnan saw that he should disoblige him by again
interfering. A few seconds later, Cahusac fell with a wound
through the throat. At the same moment Aramis placed his sword's
point on the breast of his prostrate adversary, and forced him to
sue for mercy.

"Porthos and Bicarat alone remained. Porthos, while fighting,
indulged in all sorts of fanfarronades, asking Bicarat what time
of day it was, and complimenting him on the company which his
brother had just attained in the regiment of Navarre. In spite of
his jests, however, he did not gain ground. Bicarat was a
stubborn and skilful opponent. It was time to bring matters to a
conclusion before some patrol should arrive, and take both
royalists and cardinalists into custody. Athos, Aramis, and
D'Artagnan, surrounded Bicarat, and summoned him to surrender.
Although alone against four, and with a wound through the thigh,
he would not give in, though Jussac, who had raised himself on
his elbow, called out to him to yield. Bicarat was a Gascon, like
D'Artagnan; he only laughed, and pretended not to hear, at the
same time pointing to the ground at his feet. 'Here will die
Bicarat,' said he, 'the last of those who are with him.'

"'But they are four against you,' cried