D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 185: what you’re looking at

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

[7 First Sword, then Sceptre. ~ £ s ~~ i, ae bs “This is a man’s affair, Luisa,’ remarked Don Juan, — with cold composure. “Sirs, before being a king, | was — a duke; before a duke, gentleman born! Before bearing sceptre, I carry sword! My last order is: ‘Way for Braganza!’ or, by Him that made me, I will make a way through ye!” “It is against the king’s decree!” cried Rodrigo, ~ drawing. “Tmpossible!’ added Joa, imitating him. “In Heaven’s name, no useless bloodshed!” said the — monk, fumbling with his rosary, but as a prisoner does ~ with his chains when intending to club them to brain his ~ warden. | “Ah, madame, you truthfully declared that these were recreants and traitors!” The three swords were now out, and beginning to fence, like steel serpents seeking to dart in with a sting. To the amazement of all, Donna Jacinta sprang between the court-sword and the poniard and the two long war- swords. “Your grace, let me most respectfully say, do not use your unsullied sword on traitors! For them the axe!” “What am I to do?” asked Braganza, who knew that she did not ill-advise. “A king would arrest them!” replied she, in the same undertone. Surprise turned to inquiry on the duke’s countenance. “Call your captain of the lifeguards,” the young lady explained. “Oh, have I a capt " “It is beyond a doubt! and he is beyond that door! a thorough one, who has testimonials from a former em- ployer that he has served his apprenticeship——” “Oh, that French musketeer !”’ “Splendid!” exclaimed the duchess... “I would call him!” rewarding the prompter with a smile which prom- ised adequate realization. “Halloa there!” cried Don Juan, authoritatively raising his voice, “my Captain of the Lifeguards!” Eomichbooks.¢co