Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 190 — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

Se Poe ee ee a le i a 5 a” ee d ‘ Rte | nee 4 ayy bas a Spe oo. r 4 Pte aot Lt 48; » cere | gl > po > P “a ee ad ‘ a ¥ > t Pe, ¥ » ime ..° > t ” _* a! = ‘ 4 > “e - ” 4 ey ‘soe P t , ¢ ~ -. ie i » aie, | , + , ‘ : 4 “It is nothing: let us now think of what is of the most consequence; we can sttend to my wounds after- wards: besides, it does not appear to be very dan- g.** And they both _——— with a mee strides, towards the country house of the worthy functionary. The Count de Wardes was angoandeth D'Artagnan was introduced. ‘‘ Have you an order signed by the cardinal,’’ asked the governor. *- Yos, sir,’’ said d'Artagnan, ‘‘ here it is.”’ ‘*Ah! ah! itis allright, and well recommended,” said the governor. **'Phat is quite natural,” answered d'Artagnan, *‘ Il am one of his m: st faithful servants.’ ‘** 1t appears that his eminence wishes to hinder some one from reaching England.” * Yes, a certain d'Artagnan, a Bearnese gentleman, who left Paris with three of his friends, intending to go to London.” *“Do you know him personally?” inquired the gov- ernor. ‘“ What do you mean?" “This , ” Artagnan."" “ Particulurly well. ‘‘Give me sume description of him then."’ ‘* Nothing is easier." And then d’Artagnan gave feature for feature, the exact description of the Count de Wardes, ‘* Has he any attendant?” demanded the governor. Yes, aservant named Lubin.” ‘*We will watch for them, and if we can lay hands upon them, his eminence may be assured that they shall be sent back to Paris, under a sufticient escort.”’ ** In eo doing, eir,’’ said d‘'Artagnan, *‘ you will merit the gratitude of the cardinal.”’ ‘Shall you see him on your retarn, Count?"’ ** Without doubt.” “Tell him, I beseech you,"’ said the governor, ‘‘ that ft am his most humble servant.” ‘** T will not fail to do s0,”’ Delighted by this assurance, the governor counter- signed the order, anc returned it te d'Artas , who tost no time in useless compliments, but, having bowed to the governor, and thanked him, took his leave. Once out of the house, they took a circuitous path to avoid the wood, and en the town by another gate. The barque was still ready to sail, and the master waited on the quay. . ‘* Well!” said he, seeing d'Artagnan, “Here is my pass, countersigned.”’ ‘** And the other gentleman.”’ “He will not go over to-day,”’ aaid d'Artagnan; ** but make yourself easy, I will pe for the passage of both.”’ ‘* In that case, let us be off,’’ said the master. “Away, then!" cried d'Artagnan; and he and Plan- chet springing into the boat, in five minutes they were on board the vessel. It was fulltime, for when they were a half league out at sea, d’Artagnan saw a bright light, and heard an ex- losion: it was the sound of the cannon that announced he closing of the port. It was now time to think about his wound, Happily, it was, as st ne ar had yg not at all dunger- ous: the point of the sword had struck against a rib, and — along the bone; and, as the shirt had stuck fo t “ wound at onee, scarcely a drop of blood had owed. D n was overpowered with fatigne; and a mattrass spread for him on the deck, he threw himself upon it and slept. ‘The next morning, at break of day, he found himself at not less than three or four leagues from the shores of Engiand: the wind had been gentle during the night, ond they had made but little progress. At two o'clock they cast anchor at Dover, and, at half- past two, d’A an landed in England, exclaiming— ** Here I am, at last.”’ But this was not enough: he must get to London. England, posting was pretty well regulated. D’Artag- nan and Planchet took each a post-horse; a postillion gehopet before them; andin a few hours they reached the gates of London. The duke was hunting, at Windsor, with the king. D an knew nothing of London; he knew not one word of English; but he wrote the word Bucking- ham on a pieceof paper, and every one coulddirect him to the mansion of the duke. D'Arta inquired for the duke’s confidential valet, who, having accompanied him in all his journeys, spoke French perfectly; and tdid him that he came from Paris onan affair of life and death, and that he must «peak with his master without an instant’s delay. The confidence with which d'Artagnan spoke satisfied Patrice, (for that was the name of the minister's minis ter). Heordered two horses to besaddied, and took upon himself the charge of accompanying the young guardeman. As bet peg Planchet, they had taken him off his. horse as stiff as astake. The poor fellow. was quite exhausted; but d'Artagnan seemed to be made of tron, They reached Windsor Castle, where they learned that the king and the duke were out hawking, in some marshes, two or three miles off. ; In twenty minutes they reached the place. Patrice heard his master’s voice, calling his hawk. ; ‘*Whom shall I announce to my lord?”’ said Patrice. “The young man,’ said d’Artagnan, “ who sought a uarrel with him one evening on the Pont Neuf, oppo- nite the Samaritan.’’ “A sing In ular recommendation,” said Patrice. a TT LT, ee aD — eee as = rr ~ gy? “ay ~~ + / ; - THR THREE GUARDSMEASE. ree eee ee ee ognized the uniform of the guards at that distance, he rode at full speed straight up to d’Artagnan, Patrice judiciously kept himeelf at a distance. ‘* No misfortune has befallen the queen?’ cried Buck- ingham. ‘I think not, sir; but I believe that she is in great en from which your grace alone can rescue her.”’ * I,” said Buckingham; and how shall I be eafficient- ly happy to render her any service? Speak! speak!” ** Take this letter,’’ said d'Artagnan. ** This letter! and from whom comes this letter ?"’ ‘* From her majesty, I believe.”’ ** From her majesty,’’ said Buckingham, growing 80 pale that d’Artagnan thought he was about to fall. And he broke the seal. **How has the letter got torn ?"' asked he, showing d'Artagnan a place where it was pierced through. ** Ah!" said d'Artignan, *‘ I did not perceiveit before; it is the sword of the Countde Wardea which must have done that, when it was boring a hole in my chest.” * Are you wounded }"' inquired Buckingham. “Oh! a mere trifle,’’ said d’Artagnan, “a mere scratch."’ ‘* Just heavens! what have I read ¥'’ exclaimed Bueck- ingham. ‘Patrice, remain here—or, rather, find the king, wherever he may be, and tell his majesty that I humbly beseech him to excuse me, but that an affair of the very greatest importance cails me to London. Come, sir, come.”’ And both took their way to the capital at fall gallop. --— ee CHAPTER XXTI. THE COUNTESS DE WINTER. Tue horses went like the wind, and they were soon at the gates of London. On entering the court-yard of his mansion, Bocking- ham jumped off his horse, and, without caring what be- came of him, threw the bridle over his neck, and rushed towards the steps. D'Artagnan did the same, with somewhat more uneasiness, nevertheless, for these noble animals, whose merit he appreciated; but he had the comfort of seeing three or four servants hurrying from the kitchen and stables, and ammeciatery laying hold of the horses. The duke walked so quickly thut d'Artagnan had some difficulty in following him. He passed through many saloons, magnificent to a d of which the most distinguished nobles of Prance had not even an idea, and came at last to a bed-chamber, which was at once a miracle of taste and splendor. In the alcove of this chamber there was a door in the tap- estry, which the duke opened by a small goiden key which he carried suspended at hia neck by a chain o the same metal. Through politeness d'Artagnan re- mained behind; but at the moment that Buckingham stepped over the threshold of this door, he turned, and perceiving the hesitation of the young man— **Come,” said he, ‘‘ and if you have the happiness of being admitted into the presence of the queen of France, tell her what you have beheld.” Encouraged by this invitation, d’Artagnan followed the duke, who closed the door behind him. | They found themselves in a small chapel, ~ pan | illuminated by a profusion of wax lights, and cove with Persian silk carpets, embroideréd with gold. Above a kind of altar, and under a dais of blue velvet, surmounted by red and white plumes, there was a por- trait of the size of life, representing Anne of Austria and so ectly resembling her that d’Artagnan uttered acry of surprise on seeing it; one would have believed that the queen was just about to speak. On the altar, and under the portrait, was the casket, which contained the diamond studs. The duke & 5 tape the altar, and, after kneeling as a priest might do before the crosa, he opened the casket. ‘Here,’ said he, drawing from the casket a large piece of blue ribbon all glittering with diamonds,— ** here are those precious studs with which I had made an oath to be buried. The queen gave them to me; she now takes them away; her commands, like those of heaven, shall be obeyed in everything.” Then he began to kiss, one by one, the diamonds, from which he was abont to part; but suddenly he ut- tered a terrible ery. “What is the matter?’’ demanded d’Artagnan, in alarm; ** what has befallen you, my lord?"’ ** Everything is ruined!’ said Buckingham, becoming ale as death. “ Twoof the studs are gone; there are ut ten.”* ‘*Has your grace lost them, or do you suppose that they have been stolen?”’ ‘*Some one has stolen them,”’ “Ore the duke; ‘‘ and, it is the cardinal who has managed it. See, the ribands which held them have been cut with scissors.” ‘* Has your ace any suspicion who has committed the theft? Perhaps the person has still got them.”’ * Stop, stop!’’ saidthe duke. ‘‘The only time I have worn these studs was at a ball at Windsor, a week ago. The Countess de Winter, with whom I had been at variance, approached me during the ball. This appear- ance of reconciliation was y the vengeance of an offended woman. Since that day Ihave not seen her. That woman is an agentof the cardiual's. ‘What! has he got them, then, all over the world?" | to us two. asked d’A an. “Oh, yes,” replied. Buckingham, grinding his teeth | But, yet, | with rage: ‘yes, he is a terrible adversary. when will this ball take place?” “Next Monday.” ‘*Next Monday! Five more days: it is more time le TR el ee el < ‘ito ra * p + va oe Se Ps eva ky, UG ; yeaa: | Pe Sead Se gS Ra wees Ve aa’ - ““ Pete ow o a . ny Pte os he & ‘ fs ’ 4 = 3 we el bs a BE . ae es “a ‘ ~ ’ "* — ~ * ; on * XN - ° ' »" 7. + ee yb eRe or? ae i fr ee . “’ x as *> “a = Cae , os ay" -? @ it was the eecretary who, as he resided in the vrs came first. He found Buckingham seated be.ore a table, and writing some orders with his own hand, . , ** Jackso,’’ said he, ‘ you will go to the Lord Chancel- lor, and tell himthat I charge him to execute these orders, I desire them to be made public immediately.” ‘‘But, my lord dnke, if the Lord Chancellor, should question me about the motives which have induced your grace to adopt so extraordinary a measure, what am Ite answer?!" ‘That such is my pleasure, and that 1am not obliged to give to anybody an account of my motives,”’ ‘Ts that to be the reply which he is to transmit to the king,’’ replied the secretary, smiling, “if by chance his majesty should have the curiosity to {Inquire why no ves- sel must leave & British port?” ry ‘*You are right, sir,’ answered Bockingham; “he will, in that case, tell the. king that I have decided war, and that this measure is my first act ef uinst France.”’ ) a ‘he secretary bowed and departed. - ‘‘There, we may be quite easy on that Reith eaid Buckingham, turning towards d’Artagnan. ‘Ifthe have not yet gone to France, they will not arri ** How so?” : ‘*T have just laid an embargo on the ships at present in his majesty’s ports, and, withoutexpress permission, not one will to raise its anchor,” ' D’ Artagnan looked with wonder at the man who thus applied, in the service of his love, tbe unlimited power with which he was entrusted by the k ' Buckingham saw, from the expression of his coun- fenanony what was passing in the youth’s mind, ano smiled. Yes,’’ said he, ‘yes, itis Anne of Austria who is my true queen: at her lightest word, I would. betray my conntry—imy king—my God! She iesired of me not to send to the Protestants of la Rochel the aid that I had promised them, and she has been ob. yed. I forfeited me ya but of what consequence was that, whilst her will was gratified ? Was I not nobly recompensed for my obedience, say, for it was to that obeulence that I owe her portrait r’’ | D'Artagnan marvelled at the fragile unseen thread« on which the destinies of nations and the lives of men may sometimes be s nded. | e was immersed in these reflections, when the jeweler entered. He was an Irishman, but one who was most skilful in his calling, and who confessed_that be pained s hundred thousand livres a year by the Duke 0 ingham. **O’Reilly,”’ ea'd the duke, conducting him to the tell me what chapel, *‘ look at these diamond studs, a | are worth a-piece."’ he goldsmith glanced at the elegant manner in whick they were mounted, calculated one by one the value ef the diamonds, and withont hesitation replied— ‘“* Fifteen hundred pistoles each, cs lord,”* | ‘‘How many days would be required to make twe studs like those ? You see that two are wanting.” ‘* A week, my lord.”’ ‘“‘T will pay three thonsand pistoles each for them, but I must have them the day after to-morrow.” ‘** Your grace shall have them,”’ ‘* You are an invaluable gag O'Reilly, but this is net all: these studs must not be entrusted toany one: itis — necessary that you should make them intb shouse.” **Im ble, my lord. Iam the only person whocan make them, £0 that no one could discover the difference between the new and the old studs.” ot. Wh “Therefore, my dear O'Reilly, yo. are my prisoner, and even if Ne wished to leave my pes now, could not. ell me which of your workmen you want, and describe the tools which they must bring by The jeweler knew the duke, and that all ae , strances were useless. He therefore made up his at once, "= Bry T inform my wife?’ said he. ; ‘*Oh! you may even see her, my dear O'Reilly,” said the dukes: “‘your captivity shall not be harsh, I assure — you; and, as every inconvenience should have its re- compense, here is a present of a thousand pistoles, be- yond the price of the two studs, to make you forget the gas far you may experience, | ve D’Ar could not recover from his gurpriee at the minister, who made such a millions. profuse nse of men and As for the jeweler, he wrote to his wife, her the order for a thousand pistoles, and requestin to send him, in exchange, his most skilful apprentice, and an assortment of diamonds, of which he sent her the weight and description, with a list of the requisite tools. eon ng conducted the jeweler to the chamber repared for him, which was, in half an hour, converted nto a workshop. He then placed a sentinel at each door, with strict orders to allow no one to pass except his valet, Patrice. It need searcely be added, that O'Reilly and his assistant were absolutely forbidden to go out, on any pretence whatever. ey ‘‘This being arranged, the duke tarned to d’Artag> nan. ‘‘ Now, my young friend,” said he, ‘‘ England belongs Vhat do you wish for?” ‘* A bed,’ answered d’Ar “«T confess that, at present, that is what I stand most in need of.” \ es pe a ere ss an age oad ae < oie own. e wis to keep the y a is side; not that he distrusted him, but that he might have some one to whom he could constantly talk about onn Ges » « ; . ‘ wt 5 Se i” * A Pye ey x ¥ & Ay 4 — Cte : 4 - +. - ‘. ~ ed > yt o . . worse " “nt — a ® + . > ~ — . . * -.» 2 ~ J ~¢ 2 oh\Met< PR * - a a - a * he ae a 4 t wee At’ - < & 4 . as P x * a] ~~ ’ ¥ e be Pd - Ver - ; “You will see that it is as good as any one could be.”’ _than we shall need. Patrice!’ exclaimed the duke, | the queen. ° 2 - ms ih . 5. 3 4 ; ae Patrice gave his horse the rein, reached the duke, and , opening the door of the chapel: ‘ Patrice!’ | An hour afterwards, the order was prom . a + told him, in the very words which we have just used, His confidential valet mppaened: | throughout London, that no ship be permitted ‘o ae that a messenger awaited him. ‘‘ My jeweler, and my secretary!"’ ‘leave the ports for France—not even the packet-boat ee’ Buckingham at once recollected d’Artagnan; and fear- | ing that comething had happened in France, of which . ormation had been sent to him, he only gave himself | 4 time to ask where the messenger was; and having rec- The valet departed, with a silent promptitude, which | with letters. In everybody's opini yoy proved the habit he had acquired of blind and speechless tion of war between the two Kingdoms. te! fi & =} obedience. | At eleven o'clock on the second day, the @amond - ~— But, although the jeweler had been the first sent for, studs were finished, and 80 exactly imitated . ; , - te oe é " , ' a a4 - i . 7 ’ * "’ he ~ / > a > ¢ 4 abi ithe, | : were et len CG | an 0 | Om ; ——, ‘ : : . * . * ’ - * # 2 . J —_ ; ‘ * , a j « . 2 f » ; : , ' ; . \. + P , . ’ - , ‘, - . = + 4 , f " ola a . : ; a: ‘ : i ? ak * h: 7