Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 190

This issue features the opening of "The Three Guardsmen," a serialized adaptation of Dumas's classic novel. The narrative begins in April 1625 at Meung, where young d'Artagnan—a lanky, earnest Gascon youth—arrives on a ridiculous yellow galloway horse, carrying three gifts from his father: fifteen crowns, the decrepit mount, and a letter of introduction to M. de Treville, captain of the Life Guards. His father's lengthy counsel emphasizes courage, swordplay, and advancement through martial prowess while cautioning against insult.

At an inn, a distinguished stranger in a violet doublet mocks d'Artagnan's horse, triggering the youth's volatile pride. Their escalating confrontation becomes a full brawl when the stranger's companions and the innkeeper attack with sticks and pokers. Though outnumbered three-to-one, d'Artagnan fights stubbornly until his sword breaks and he sustains a facial wound. The gentleman observes the proceedings with detached amusement, muttering observations about Gascon stubbornness.