rstand likewise, and what
is very frightful, is, that every time his majesty Charles II. will
think of me, he will say to himself: 'There is the man who came very
near to making me lose my crown. Fortunately I was generous, great,
full of presence of mind.' That will be said by the young gentleman in a
shabby black doublet, who came to the chateau of Blois, hat in hand, to
ask me if I would give him access to the king of France."

"D'Artagnan! D'Artagnan!" said Athos, laying his hand on the shoulder of
the musketeer, "you are unjust."

"I have a right to be so."

"No--for you are ignorant of the future."

D'Artagnan looked his friend full in the face, and began to laugh. "In
truth, my dear Athos," said he, "you have some sayings so superb, that
they only belong to you and M. le Cardinal Mazarin."

Athos frowned slightly.

"I beg your pardon," continued D'Artagnan, laughing, "I beg your pardon
if I have offended you. The future! _Nein!_ what pretty words are words
that promise, and how well they fill the mouth in default of other
things! _Mordioux!_ After having met with so many who promised,
when shall I find one who will give? But, let that pass!" continued
D'Artagnan. "What are you doing here, my dear Athos? Are you the king's
treasurer?"

"How--why the king's treasurer?"

"Well, since the king possess a million, he must want a treasurer.
The king of France, although he is not worth a sou, has still a
superintendent of finance, M. Fouquet. It is true, that, in exchange, M.
Fouquet, they say, has a good number of millions of his own."

"Oh! our million was spent long ago," said Athos, laughing in his turn.

"I understand; it was frittered away in satin, precious stones, velvet,
and feathers of all sorts and colors. All these princes and princesses
stood in great need of tailors and dressmakers. Eh! Athos, do you
remember what we fellows spent in equipping ourselves for the campaign
of La Rochelle, and to make our appearance on horseback? Two or three
thousand livres, by my faith! But a king's robe is the more ample; it
would require a million to purchase the stuff. At least, Athos, if you
are not treasurer, you are on good footing at court."

"By the faith of a gentleman, I know nothing about it," said Athos,
simply.

"What! you know nothing about it?"

"No! I have not seen the king since we left Dover."

"Then he has forgotten you, too! _Mordioux!_ That is shameful!"

"His majesty has had so much bu