D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 286: what you’re looking at

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

Tapping the Volcano. 269 and shoulders over the others; he was leaning on a sword which, in another, would have required two hands to wield it. It was D’Artagnan’s brother musketeer. Outside rang a tremendous burst of triumph; clarions, bugles, fishermen’s horns, whistles commingled. It was silence called for on all sides. In this perfect quiet arose a voice, hoarse and strong— that of Admiral Pedro (at least, the Frenchman knew it) ; he had followed Colone! Jorge so closely that he was at his heels. In his presence the fishers of the Tagus bowed low. ‘Hear ye,” said the seaman, “in the name of the nobles, the gentle folk and the people—the people—the people! I proclaim the Duke of Braganza Juan IV., king of free and independent Portugal!” The cheering was deafening—not for Juan, the nobles or the gentry, but for “free and independent Portugal!’ Then came a thunderpeal which made all quake. Ten thousand firearms were discharged in the air; they were wanted to kill no longer! “An Italian?’ queried the princess, of Porthos, clutch- ing at a straw. “No, madame; French!” “Save me!” After her proud front, the weakness of her sex came. Besides, her native tongue had softened her, where all were so alien. ‘the din and fusillade had daunted her. “Hark!” said: Porthos, in his best Portuguese, “the fort is firing on the town! This palace will be abolished!” Poor Porthos! he meant to say “demolished,” but, to the mass, a ponderous word has its effect, despite its meaning. The gravity of the crisis was not questioned. A panic seized most, and the building was vacated of the inquisitive and the coarser grained. Floors and stairs shook under the countless feet, and out of the windows poured files of the frightened. “You have saved me!” said the princess, startled by the exodus. Her maids fell at Porthos’ feet, sobbing, with southern extravagance. Porthos passed his large hand over his eyes; never in his dreams, when he was vainglorious about his con- CE@NME OOO KS,(e)