D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 108: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

The Messenger. 97 tache between his teeth as if surprised, yet expecting this announcement. “And that France assists, in the person of His Majesty of France’s captain of the bodyguard!” All started at D’Artagnan, who almost blushed like a scholar at this unexpected exposure of his standing. He twirled and pulled at his luckless mustache, which was often the sole victim of his vexation. The publicity pained him. But then he shook his head; after all, this news would not travel far. But he liked less than ever that the sole porter should be the young and pious clerk. “Good!” was the word struggling on Manuel’s quiv- ‘ing lips. “Thrust me into the cask and sew it up!” “Stay! interrupted D’Artagnan, authoritatively. “A voy like you would only go under with the weight of that tidings. Let me still carry the secret which I have supported for long!” All started. Surprised and disappointed in his heroic devotion, Manuel wavered. Then recovering and form- ing his purpose quickly, he leaped over the “carcase” of vood and skin, as if disdaining its protection, and stood xy the side rail, yelling above the screaming of the gale through the shrouds: “T commend myself and the traitorous message to the deep! God ’a’ mercy!” “Seize him!” shouted the French officer as if he had commanded this quaking deck all his life. “Hold him!” echoed Pedro, dashing forward. Both were too slow. The supercargo had leaped as the rollers swelled up to his feet and the scud seethed over his head. With the quickness of a madman D’Artagnan flung off all that might encumber him, kicked off the loose sea- boots, shook off the sou’wester, and only pausing briefly tc see where the swimmer came up, he bounded out as tne waves receded from him, as if shrinking at so much headlong intrepidity. In the air his trumpet voice out- rode the furious blast! “That knowledge must not go with that dog!” CORNICE OOOKS (€(@) im