good fortune to take his grace,
M. Monk was only a general; it is therefore only a general's ransom that
is due to me. But if the general will have the kindness to deliver me
his sword, I shall consider myself paid; for there is nothing in the
world but the general's sword which is worth as much as himself."

"Odds fish! as my father said," cried Charles. "That is a gallant
proposal, and a gallant man, is he not, duke?"

"Upon my honor, yes, sire," and he drew his sword. "Monsieur," said
he to D'Artagnan, "here is what you demand. Many have handled a better
blade; but however modest mine may be, I have never surrendered it to
any one."

D'Artagnan received with pride the sword which had just made a king.

"Oh! oh!" cried Charles II.; "what a sword that has restored me to my
throne--to go out of the kingdom--and not, one day, to figure among the
crown jewels! No, on my soul! that shall not be! Captain d'Artagnan, I
will give you two hundred thousand livres for your sword! If that is too
little, say so."

"It is too little, sire," replied D'Artagnan, with inimitable
seriousness. "In the first place, I do not at all wish to sell it; but
your majesty desires me to do so, and that is an order. I obey, then,
but the respect I owe to the illustrious warrior who hears me, commands
me to estimate a third more the reward of my victory. I ask then three
hundred thousand livres for the sword, or I shall give it to your
majesty for nothing." And taking it by the point he presented it to the
king. Charles broke into hilarious laughter.

"A gallant man, and a merry companion! Odds fish! is he not, duke? is he
not, comte? He pleases me! I like him! Here, Chevalier d'Artagnan, take
this." And going to the table, he took a pen and wrote an order upon his
treasurer for three hundred thousand livres.

D'Artagnan took it, and turning gravely towards Monk: "I have still
asked too little, I know," said he, "but believe me, your grace, I would
rather have died that allow myself to be governed by avarice."

The king began to laugh again, like the happiest cockney of his kingdom.

"You will come and see me again before you go, chevalier?" said he; "I
shall want to lay in a stock of gayety now my Frenchmen are leaving me."

"Ah! sire, it will not be with the gayety as with the duke's sword; I
will give it to your majesty gratis," replied D'Artagnan, whose feet
scarcely seemed to touch the ground.

"And you, comte," added Charles, turn