Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 190 — page 2: what you’re looking at

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

-s / — 2 - : é with thethree paternal aaid, the fifteen crowns, the steed, and the letter to M. de Treville. As may be well imagined, the advice was thrown. into the bargain. a’ found himself, morally and physically, the counterpart. of the hero of Cervantes, to whom we 80 | ily compared him, when our duty as his historian happ obliged us to draw his portrait. Don Quixote took wind- mills for giants and sheep for armies; d’Artagnan liowed that his fist was doubled from Tarbes ; and, from one cause or another, his hand rad ten times a day. on the mel of his swo! ove the Ait did not descend upon any jaw, neither | the sword leave. , It was not that the | excite many &@8mile | nent put up hisesword with uninterrupted tranquillity, those he met; but as beside the | and, trom an actor, became a spectator ef the combat; a ‘did no sO’ shed a sword of respectable if their mirth supressed their prudence, they took © only to laugh on one side of their , like the dignified and uninterru y, even St eS =. alkey motinted at the door of the “Jolly Miller,” without hold th either landlord, waiter, or hostler, com to hold.the stirrup of his horse, d’Artagnan perceived at the open window of a room, on the ground floor, a gentleman of handsome figure and distinguished air, al h with » countenance’ slightly lowering, con- versing with two persons who appeared, to listen to him with deference. D’Artagnan naturally thought, according to his usual custom, that they were talking about him, and accordingly listened. This time, how- ever, he was only half wrong ; he was not thesubject of co. versation, but his horse. The Lap pone appeared to be enumerating to his hearers all his qualities ; and #ince, as I have said, his hearers appeared to pay him great deference, they every moment gave way to bursts of langhter. Now, since even the slightest smile was sufficient to rouse the anger of our youth, one may well imagine what effect such unbounded mirth was likely to pro- duce upon him. Nevertheless, d’Artagnan wished first to examine the countenance of the impertinent fellow who thus laughed at him. He therefore fixed his stern look u the stranger, and saw a man from forty to forty-five years of ago, with black and piercing eyes, pale complexion, strongly-marked nose, and black moustache, carefully trimmed. At the very moment that d’Artagnan fixed his eyes pe te the gentleman with the violet doublet, that in- vidual made one of his wisest and most profound re- + re upon the Beaurese galloway. His two auditors with laughter, and he himself, contrary to his usual custom, permitted a sort of sickly smile to wan- der over his countenance. This time there was no room for doubt, D’ was really insulted. Be- ang. Donw ented of this, he pulled his cap over his eyes, trying to imitate the courtly airs which he had b chance seen among some of the Laacon nobility in their rb apo visits, he placed one hand on the guard of sword, and the other on his hip. Unfortunately, the nearer he adyanced, the more furious became his so that instead of the high and fied language w he had prepared to form the subject of his pro- vocation, he found nothing at the tip of his tongue but @ rough personality, which he accompanied with a furious gesture, “Hollo, sir,”’ he cried, “ you, sir, who hide yourself behind the shutter; yes, you, tell me what you are laughing at, and we will laugh together.” e gentloman slowly turned his eyes from the steed to hia rider, as if it required somo time to comprehend that these © words were addressed to himself; then, when he could no longer doubt it, he slightly knit his brows, and after a pretty long pause, with an accent of irony and insolence impossible to describe, ~ anew d’Artagnan.. “I am not speaking to you, “ But 1 am speaking to you,’ cried the young man, exasperated by this mixture of insolence and ees man- ners, of politeness and disdain... The unknown arded him yet a moment with a slight smile, and then leaving the window, slowly sauntered out of the hotel, and stationed himself posite the horse, at two paces from d’Artagnan. 4 calm face and jeering countenance, redoubled the mirth of his companions, who still remained at the window. Dd’ an, seeing him come out, drew his sword afoot out of ite scabbard. “This horse decidedly is, or rather has been, @ jewel,”’ continued the unknown, pursuing his remarks, and addressing his auditors at the window, without ap- to notice the exasperation of d’Artagnan, who, nevertheless, swelled and strutted between them; “ it is of a color,” he continued, “ well known in botany, but at present very rare among horses.”’ t “A man may laugh at o who would not dare to —— at its master,’’ cried the infuriated youth. . “J do not often laugh, sir,”’ answered the unknown, ‘‘aa you may yourself discover by the character of my countenance; but yet I mean to preserve the right of laughing when I please.” ' “And I,” roared out d’Artagnan, “do not choose any one to laugh when I do not please.” “Really, sir!’’ continued the unknown, more calmer than ever; “ well, it is quite right;”’ and turning on his heel, he essayed to re-enter the hotel by the front door, opposite which d’Artagnan, on arriving, had observed a horse ready saddled. ' But a’ an was not the man to let any one thus escape Who had the insolence to quiz him; he therefore drew his sword and pursued him, exclaiming, “ Turn, turn, sir quizzer, that I may not strike you behind |” ) “Strike met” exclaimed the other, quickly turning round, and regarding the youth with as much-astonish- ment as contempt; “go along with you, my dear boy; With such a yade moecum, | tened : , yet all th rd glistened po. sep anther babiity yet sit, the ——- —_—_—— THE THREE GUARDSMEN. , which wore, as we have{ you are mad.” Then, in a low voice, a8 if he wore speaking to himself, he added, “It is anno ; whata prize for his majesty, who is everywhere see brave men to recruit his guards.” He had scarcely finished, when d’ made euch a furious thrust at him that, had he not jumped back briskly, it is probable he would have given utter- ance to his last joke. Perceiving now, however, that con- | the affair was beyend a joke, the unknown ‘drew his , and even a look a provoca- | sword, saluted his adversary, and gravely put himself on his guard; but the same moment his two auditors, mpanied by the host, fell pellmell upon d’Artagnan, with aticks, poker and . This caused such a com- plete diversion of the attack, that, whilst d’Artagnan himself turned to face this shower of blows, his oppo- character which he Ts agit with the same impertur- 8 muttering, “ Plague upon Put him on his orange colored horse, and let him go.” - “Not before I have slain you, you coward!” cried , , all the time g the best resistance he could, and not yielding one step to his three opponents, who showered th yw ; “Yet another, man; “upon my honor, these Gascons are incorrigible; keep up the rt, since he actually wishes it; when he is tired he will say that he has had enough.” But the stranger did not yet know with what a stub- born being he had to deal. D'Artagnan was not the man ever to sue for quarter. The contest therefore con- tinued for somo moments longer, until at last, com- pletely worn «-‘, d’Artagnan dropped his sword, which was broken in i..o by a blow from a stick, and just at the same instant another blow, which cut open his fore- head, atretched him on the ground almost senseless. It was at this ‘uncture that all the inhabitants of the town hastened to the scene of action. Fearing a dis- turbance, the host, assisted by his servants, carried the wounded man to the kitchen, where some attentions were bestowed upon him. As for the at er, he re- turned to the window, and viewed the crowd with evi- dent marks of impatience, seeming rather annoyed at their remaining there. “Well, how is that madman now?”’ said he, turning, and addressing the host, who camo te inform him in what state he was. “Is your excellency safe and well?’’ demanded the host. “Yes, perfectly so, my worthy host; but I wish to know what has become of this youth.” “He is better,” replied the host; “ but he was quite senseless.” “Indeed,” replied the gentleman, “But before he quite lost his senses, he rullied all his me to challenge and defy you,” added the host. “Well, this young fellow is the very devil himself,” said the gentleman. “Oh, no, your excellency, oh no,” replied the host with a contemptuous grin, “he is not the devil; for while he was senseless wo rummaged him, and in his bundle we found but one shirt, and only twelve crowns in his pocket. which, however, did not A ee his say- ing, just before he fainted, that, had this ha ed in Paris, you should quickly have repented it, but as it has taken place here you will not have torepentit until sometime hence.” “Therefore,” coolly observed the stranger, “ he doubtless is a prince of the blood in disguise.’ “I give you this information, sir,’’ said the host, “that you may keep yourself on your guard.” “And did he not name anyone in his anger ?” “Yes, he slapped his pocket, and said, ‘ We shall see what M. de Treville will say to this insult offered to his proteg ” a” “M. de Treville?” said the unknown, becoming more attentive; “he slapped his pocket, and mentioned the name of M. de Treville? Let us see, my re whilst this young man was senseless, on not fail to examine that pocket; what did it con * A letter addressed to M. de Treville, captain of the “Tt is as I have the honor to tell your excellency,”’ said the host. The latter,who had no great penetration, did not remark the effect which these words upon the countenance of the stranger, who now left the window-sill, on which his elbow had rested, and frowned like a man disturbed in his mind. “The devil !’’ he muttered between his teeth; “Tre- ville could not have sent this Gascon : he is very young; but a thrust of a eword is a thrust of a sword, whatever may be the age of him that gives it, and one distrusts a boy less than another; a slight obstacle is sufficient to thwart a project.’ And the stranger fell into o reverie which asked some minutes. “Come, mine host,” at length he said, “ will you not rid me of this madman? ZT cannot conscientiously kill him, and yet,” he with a menacing air, “he much annoys me. Where is he?”’ “In wife’s chamber, on the first story, where they are his wounds.” — “ Are his clothes and his bag with him ? Has ho not taken off his doublet ?” “On the contrary, these are below in the kitchen,” said the host; “but since this young madman annoys ou ”"—— “ Doubtless; he causes a disturbance in your hotel which no quiet people can bear. Go to your room, make out my bill, and give orders to my servants.” “ What, sir, are you going already ?” “Yes. I yon to saddle my horse. Have I not been obeyed ?” “Yes, and your excellency may see your horse stand- ing under the grand entrance, quite ready for you.” “ Very well; then do as I have ordered.”’ ‘Heyday !” said the host to himself; “can he be afraid of this young boy?” But a commanding look from the strangor cut him short, he humbly bowed and leit the room, “My lady mustnot see this strange fellow,’’ said the stranger ; “she must soon pass, as she is already late. I had better mount my horse and go to meet ber. If I could only just learn the contents of that letter ad- dressed to ille.” And thus muttering, the un- known descended to the kitchen. In the meantime, the host, who doubted not that thia youth's presence drove the stranger irom his hotel, had (ee to hls wife’s chamber, found that d Artagnan ai recovered his senses. en, while he made him comprehend that the police might arrest him tor hav- ing insulted a great lord, (for, according to the host's idea, the stranger could be nothing less than @ great lord), he persuaded him, in spite of his weakness, to continue journey. D'A nan, halt stunned, without, doublet, and his h completely enveloped in cloths, arose, and, pushed out by the host, began to descend the stairs; but, on reaching the kitchen, the first olject he saw was his opponent, who was quietly talk at the door of a heavy carriage, drawn by two large Norman horses. The person with whom he conversed was 4 woman of atout twenty or twenty-two years of age, whose head appeared through the window oi the car- riage likea pictureinairame. We have already said how rapidly d’Artagnan caught the expression of 4 countenance; he saw, thereiore, at a first glance, that the lady was young and beautiiul. Now this beauty was the more striking to him, as it was completely dif- ferent from that of the southern country which he in- habited. She wasa pale, fair person, with long curling hair ooey on her shoulders, large blue, languishing eyes, rosy lips, and bands of alabaster. She conversed with the stranger with grosbyivactty. . “ So, his eminence commands me?” said the lady. “To return immediately to oe and apprise him with all speed whether the duke has leit London,” said the stranger. “And as to my other instructions?’ demanded the fair traveler. “They are enclosed in this box, which you will not open until you are on the other side of the channel.” “Very well—and youl Whatare you going to do?’ “I return to Paris.” “ Without chastising this insolent boy?’ demanded the lady. The unknown was about to reply, but the moment he —— his mouth, d’Artagnan, who had heard every word, rushed to the doorway, “It is that insolent boy,’’ he cried, “ who chaatises others, and I hope that this time he who deserves chas- tisement will pot escape im.” « Will not escape him ?’’ replied the unknown, frown- 3 No, in the presence of a woman you would not dare to fly, I presume.”’ “ Consider,” said the lady, seeing the gentleman his hand to his sword, “ consider that the sligh de- lay might ruin all.” “ You are ht,” said the gentleman; “ you go your way, and I will go mine;” saluting the lady with » bow, he threw himself on his horee, whilst the coach- man whipped ‘his horses. The lady and gentleman therefore went off at a gallop towards the opposite ends of the street. “ Halloo! your bill!” vociferated mine host, whose affection for the traveler was c to the most pro- found contempt when he saw him departing without paying his bill. Pay, rascal!” cried the traveler, as he galloped off, to his valet, who threw three or four es of silver at the feet of the host, and set off at full speed aiter his master. “ Oh, coward! wretch! false-hearted vena cried d’Artagnan, rushing aiter the valet. t he was atill ‘too feeble from bab ae yg Ae = Paces ‘Scarcely had he n paces before his ears tingled, a sidtiness Be him, @ cloud passed before his eyes, and he fell down in the street, still crying, * Coward! coward! coward!” “Verily he is a sad coward.” murmured the host, who now, pproac d’Artagnan, endeavored to soothe him by hia flattery, like the heron in the fable with her friend the snail. “Yes, sad coward,” murmured d’Artagnan ; “ but she is beautiful.” “Who is she ?” said the host. “My lady?” murmured d’Artagnan, and fainted away. “Never mind,” said the host ; “although I have lost two, at any rate I have secured this one, whom I am sure ofkeeping for some days ; at all events, I shall gain eleven crowns.” It must be borne in mind that eleven crowns Was the exact sum which remained in d’Artagnan s purse ; and the host had reckoned upon eleven days’ illness, at « crown a day. On this point, however, he reckoned without his guest. The following day d’Artagnan got up, went down to the kitchen, and besides certain in- gredients, the names of which have not descended to posterity, demanded some wine, oil, and rosemary, which, with his mother’s recipe in his hand, he com- pounded into 4 salve, with which he anointed his nu- merous wounds, renewing his plasters himself, and not allo the interposition of any doctor. no doubt, to the Bohemian salye, and per- haps also to the absence of the doctor, d’Artagnan found himself on foot in the evening, and almost cured by the next day. But at the moment he was paying for this wine, oil, and rosemary, the sole nse he had incurred, (for he had been completely 4 tinent, ' whilst, on the contrary, according to the hostler’s ac- count, the yellow horse had eaten three times 48 Many oats a8 One Would have supposed possible from his size) d’Artagnan found nothing in his pocket but his little — with its eleven crowns. As for the letter to M. 6 Treville, that had disappeared. The young man be ECON MICE SON) “0