D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 313: what you’re looking at

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

294 The Last Card. I cogitated to rejoin you. Ah, well I know what the valet feels who has lost his master!” “The Spanish may regret its resuscitation !” The civic guard was amiably looking in. “These Spanish,” observed he, sharply, “have the rep- utation of being the best in Europe “Of the two semi-spheres,” said D’Artagnan, as af- fably. “T do not agree. Half of them have strayed over to the town, and are clambering up the walls to see what is going on.” “Strange, indeed, after they were paid to keep out of it!” . “Curiosity pays with a tempting coin.” “Then, there is something going on?” “Yes, my city is a great one for something going on, or coming’ off.” “Yes, when crowns go on and heads come off—it is enthralling !”’ Porthos had concealed D’Artagnan’s sword. “That is the fault of my squire here—devouring curi- osity. See his ears prick up? That is your doing. I warrant that he will be uneasy and useless until he has also seen what is going on over the city wall.” “T do not blame him. I, mysel ‘i “You are so obliging that I could trespass still far- ther on your ceaseless kindness. I suppose you could not let my servant go and quench his curiosity?” “Oh! ‘the came freely—he may go the same,” “That is handsome! I—I could almost ask the same favor for myself—I am curious i “That is natural, after being brought to the capital, to want to know what happens in it!” “But your superiors’ orders 45 “Know, sire,’ said the “colonel” of his creation, “that the Lisbon civic guard take no orders ‘ “From these aliens? Hem! I comprehend and esteem you. My faithful squire, take advantage of the good colonel’s offer, and leaving that old blade, which I sup- pose you picked up on the field, sally out for tidings.” “You may go,” said the sergeant, loftily. Porthos put the sword within his friend’s reach and Eomicbooks. co im