D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 134: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XVII. DARBY AND JOAN. “A million and a half!” gasped Porthos, dazed. “Is there any such a sum in bullion?” “If anybody has it, it is the Jews. Would they be so harassed if they did not have it all? And from my knowledge of Portugal and Spain, where I have been delving, these Soleimans, by becoming converts—for it is not probing into consciences I was, so I do not guar- antee their sincerity—the members of that tribe possess the needful. Yes, they have my cash—that is, what I have the spending of é “Then you are the treasurer!” and Porthos clapped his hands, making a sound like two waves slapping. “A million and 4 “Many millions! but I was always sparing! I could not be lavish like our lofty-handed Athos! Only, I wish that up in that cave were my monetary agent instead even of those ladies! And yet I do not want him there under the Duchess of Braganza’s piercing eyes. If she be- spelled my Soleiman, she is the Queen of Sheba who would make him disgorge!” “Saints forbid!’ groaned Du Vallon, sincerely. “Now, I would trust Madame du Vallon—she loosens the purse- strings so warily! but a princess! she would order the coronation robes and the jewels to bespangle them before the crown was assured.” “Oh, you think we shall take the kingdom, do you?’ “Tt is positive! When we had only steel and no gold we used pretty fairly to manage matters. With both we can do anything!” The compliment made his brother musketeer smile. “T won’t flatter you, old comrade of my heart,” said he. “But do you know, I would as lief have you by my side as the bag of gold? WHappy the captain who has a mas- ter mind over him to divine that two of us are better than Gomicbdoo S (C(O) im