Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 190 — page 43: what you’re looking at

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

» Pe. ae f oe - Bo =< + ee lee oe a. PO EDAD L SEN rin Fal SITE ORS 7 THE THREE GUARDSMEN. —— ees a ee te — —_ - “Ts it you who want me?” said the mueketeer. Iam in search of M. Aramis: is that the name that you are called by?" “Yes. Have you anything for me?” “Yes, if you can show me acertain embroidered hand- kerchief.” “Here it is,’ said Aramis, taking a key from hier bosom, and openin, x small ebony c sket, inlaid with mother-of-pearl. “Here itis. Look!” ‘That is right,’’ said the beggar: ‘‘ now dismiss your servant.” For, in fact, Bazin, curions to know what the begg?r waited with his master, had sony pace with him, and arrived almost at the same time. But his speed was of little benefit to him. At tle euggestion of the beggar, his master made a sign to him to withdraw, aud he had no alternative but to obey. When Bazin was gone, the beggar glance’ rapidly around, to be sure that nobo'ty could either see or hear him, and then, opening his ragged vest, which was badly held together by a leathern belt, he began to unrip the top of his doublet, from which he drew a letter. ramis uttered a cry of joy at sight of the seal, kissed the writing, and, with a respect almost religious, opened the letter, which contained what follows:— “ My Friend: ‘ute wills that we be separated for a little longer time, but the i days of youth are not for ever lost. Do your Ks in the camp: 1 will do mine elsewhere. Take what the bearer will give yon; make the campaign like a good and graceful gentleman; and still remember me.—Farewell, unuul we meet aguin.”’ The beggar was yet engared unripping: he drew from his dirty clothes, one by oue, a hundred and fifty double Spanish pistoles, which he placed in a row upon the Her ladyship will than dismias you, and you know that she is not the kind of woman to be moderate tn her re- 9 a las!” said Kitty, ‘why have I exposed myself to ay’? “For me, I know, my beanty,”’ said the young man, “and very grate ul am I forit, I swear.” ** But what does y ur note contain?” ** Her ladyship will tell you." **Alas! you do nut love me!" exclaimed Kitty, ‘‘and I am very wretched!" Kitty wept much before she determined to deliver this letter to her mistress; but, from devotedneers to the young soldier, she did determine at last, and that was all that d’Artagnan desired. CHAPTER XXXIV. CONCERNING THE EQUIPMENTS OF ARAMIS AND PORTHOR, Wut ert the four friends were all engaged in looking ent for their equipments, there had nolo iger been any regular meetings amongthem. They dined without one another, wherever a chanced to be; and met togeth- er when they could, Duty alxo, on its side, occupied a part of ens time which was 80 rapid y passing away. But they had agreed to me. t once a week, about one o’clock,. Athos's chambers, as it was known that he, according £0 his vow, would never pass over the threshold of hie door, The v ry day on which Kitty had visited d'Artagnan at his own home, was one of their days uf meeting: and | acarcely had the waiting-maid quitued d’Artagnun, be- | fore he proceeded to the rne Ferou. He found Athos and Arainis philosophizing. Aramis had still some secret inclination toreturn to the cassock: and Athos, according to his cusiom, neither disaused table; then he opened the door, bowed, and wae — nor enrouraged him, Athos liked every one to exercise before the astonished young man had dared to address his own free will. ' | a word to him, He never give his advice before It was asked for, and,| Aramis now re-perused the letter, and perceived that ow then, it hag Ba askad for { Np gi ; it had the following postscript:— “In general, people only as or advice,’ he said, a“ “3 i , ‘that they may not follow it; or, if they should follow ebinnnrator the bearer, who ts'a count, it, that they may have somebody to blume for having “Golden dr-ams!"’ exclaimed Aramis; ‘‘ oh! heavenly givenit.” life! yes, we are still young! yes, we shall still bask in Porthos arrived an instant after d'Artagnan: so the | brighter days! Oh! thou art my love, my life-blood, four friends were all assembled ' , ) ” ’ ‘ ’ : ‘ my being! Allin all art thou, my beautiful beloved! Their four countenances had four different expres- ‘And he kissed the letter aadhonutal'y, without even rions: that of Porthos, tranquility; of «’Artagnan ; : : tae ’ : | gla cing at the gold which glittered on the table. rg Aramis, ety; and that of Athos, perfect Bazin’ was atatenie Ay the door, and, as Aramis rence, : Bs : ; After a moment's conversation, in which Porthos arene n for keeping him away, he permitted ebscurely intimated that a lady hivh in rank had kindly taken upon herself to relieve him from his embarrass- wents, Mousqueton entered. He came to request Porthos to come to his lodging, where—said he, in a most melancholy tone—his pre- sence Was most urgently required, ‘* Are my equipages comey’' demanded Porthos. ** Yesand nv,’ repliet Mousqueton. ‘* But what do you mean, I ask you?" ‘* Come, sir.”’ Porthos arose, bowed to his friend, and followed ousqneton. / lego afverwards, Bazin appeared on the door- Bazin was confounded at the sght of so much gold, and forgot that he ought to announce @’Artagnan, who, curious to know what this beggarman was, had come on to Aramis’ when he left Athos. But d'Artagnan never stood on ceremony with Aramis: and therefore, seeing that Bazin had forgotten to an- nounce him, he announced himself. ‘*Ah, the deuce! my dear Aramis,’ said he, on enter- ing, ‘“‘these are the plume they send you from Tours: | you must send my congra.ulations on them to the gur- | dener who gathers them.” ‘You are mistaken, my dear fellow * said the ever- discreet Aramis: ‘‘it is my bookseller, wao has just sent me the thee of my po:.m,‘in verses of one syllable, which I began down in the country.”’ “Ah! reaily?”’ said d’Artagnan. ‘ Well, all I can say, my dear Aramis, is, that your bookseller is very gener- ous,”’ “What, sir,’ said Bazin, ‘‘does a poem sell for such asum’Y Itisincouceivable! Oh, sir, you may do what- ever you desire; you may become equal to M. Voiture, and M. de Benserade. I like that now, myself. A poct! It is almost an abbe. Ah, sir, establish yourself, then, as & ae I beseech you!" - in, my friend,” said Aramis, ‘‘I think that you are interposing in the conversation.” Bazin understood that he was wrong, bowed his head, and left the room. ‘““Ah!’" said d‘Artagnan, with a smile, “ you sell your productions for their weight in gold! You are fortunate, my friend! But take cure, or you will lose that letter, which is falling out of your coat, and which, without doubt, is also from your bookseller.” Aramis blushed to the very white of his eyes, thrust with that softness of tone which wasalways observable in him, when ).is ideas inclined toward the church. Paes man isawaitiny you, sir, at your rooms,” replied zin. ‘‘A man? What sort of a man?” ‘* A be Ax ' de Give h m something, Bazin, and tell him to pray for & poor sinner."’ ‘This beggar-man insists on seeing you, and pre- tends to say that you will be very glad to xee him.” * Has he got anything particular for me?" ‘Yes. ‘If M. Aramis hesitates to come to me,’ said he, ‘tell him I have just arrived from Tours,’ " “From Tours! will go directly!’ exclaimed Ara- mis. ‘‘Gentlemen, a thousand pardons; but undonbt- edly this man brings meth» intelligence I expected.” And getting up at once, he went off at a run. There now remained ouly Athys and d’Artagnan. **I verily believe that those fellows have settled their affairs,” said Athos, ** Wut think you about, d'Artag- | in the letter, and buttoned up his doublet. nun? “My dear d'Artagnan,” said he, “we will, if you : I knew that Porthos was in a fair way for it; and as | please, go to our friends; and, as J am now.so rich, we or Aramis, to tell the truth, I was never very uneasy | will begin to dine together again, till you become, in about him, Bunt you, my dear Athos, who so generous | turn, rich yourrelves,’ gave away the English pistoles which were your legi- ** Faith, and with rg property—what wi ! you do?" ‘itis a long time since we have had a suitable a nner; am very glad that I killed the rascal,’ said Athos. | and as I have myself rather a hazardous expedition this sil. ‘* What do you went, my friend?’ inquired = ‘seeing that he had the silly curiosity to know my real | eveni . ‘etw y real | evening, I shall not be sorry, I confess, to have two or uame; bat if LT had pocketed his piatoles. the wd | , 1 have Wane as Houe wih cat og: , they wo howe ttles of old Burgundy mounting up into my “Well, my dear Athos, you really have ncon- cvivable delicacy,” said d’Artagnan. » ; ala “Enough! enough! But what was Mie Treville saying, when he did me the honor to cal d see me yesterday —that you hannt these suspicious English people, whom the cardinal protects!” * That ia to say that I visit an English woman—ghe of | whom I spoke to you.” in ee the fait woman about whom I gave yon fome advice, which, naturally euough, you took espe- care not to follow.”’ ‘IT gave you my reasons. But I am now certain that this Woman had something to do with the disappearance of M @ Bonancieux."’ ‘Yes, I comprehend: to find one woman, you make love to another. It is the longest way, but by far the most amusing.”’ We will now leave the two friends, who had nothing very pees to ‘say to one another, and follow Aramis, On entering his room, he round a little man, with in- telligent eyes, but covered with rags, ‘Well, as for old pied Sr et £ I do not hate it myself, either,” said Aramis, ont of whose head the sight of the gold had driven all thoughts of retirement. And, having put three or four double pistoles into his pocket for present use, he enclosed the remainder in the ebony casket, incrusted with gee which already con- tained the famous handkerchief that had served him as a talisman. The two friends went first to Athos, who, faithful to his vow not to go from home, undertook to have the dinner brought to his own rooms. As he was marvel- lously familiar with all gastronomical details, d’Artag- important care. ey then went to Porthos; but at the corner of the rue du Bac, they met Mousqueton, who, with a most pee face, was driving a mule and a horse before m, D’Artagnan uttered an unmingled with joy, ‘Ab! my yellow horse!” cried he. ‘‘ Aramis, loo ' this haseet”% id ee ——_—_ —-—- exclamation of surprise, not é rn eat pleasure,” replied a’ Arta : ! retiri han and Aramis had no scruples in confiding to him this | ee ee ¥ ’ 4 + eS Te a —— — a oe — er Ee a we wr + — = —E . - ee = « — + — . = . “Oh, what afrightfal beast!” exclaimed Aramis. = 33 ‘Well, ny dear boy, itis the horse on Which I came to Paris.” oe Se “What, sir, do you know the horse?” inguired Mons-_ Bi ueton. nt a ba? He certainly is of a most origtne color,” said Ara~_ ite mis. ‘‘I never saw one with snch askin before.” . ~ “IT can well believe it,’ replied d’Artagnan: “and bE - sold him for three crowns, which must have pig ate hide, for certainly the carcase is not worth livres. But bow do I find this horse in yo Mousqneton?” ae, ‘Ah,’ said the valet, ‘‘do not say anything motte, < hteen . Sa sir. Itis a horrible trick of our duchese’s husband. * ** How go?”’ io “Yes, we are looked upon most favorably, by awo- ~ man of quality, the duchess of ——. But excuseme,my — fj | master has enjoined me to be discreet. She obliged us = | to accept a small memorial, a magnificent Spanish charg- 5 | lous to behold. Butthe husband found it ont, abstrac ed | on their way the two magnificent animals and substitut- ed these frightful beasts for them.” Sav, ‘‘And are you taking them backtohim?* — ore “Yes, exactly eo, sir,’ replied Mousqueton, “You 4} know it is impossible for us to accept such wretches as these, instead of those which had been teal us.” ab iy 7 | “No, evad! tings I should have enjoyed se ng Por) | thos on my yellow horse, It would have gs me som a S | idea of what [was myself when I came to P But: do not let us detain yon, Mousqueton, Goandexecute 7 your master’s com ssion: go. Is he at home” ea te. ‘ 4 ; ‘Yes, sir,’ suid Mousqueton, “but in a very pad. er, and an Andalusian mule, which were most ek oF 4, ~ } humor.” ; - 1 ee He then continued on his way towards the quay of the es | Grands Augustins, whilst the two friends went to ring at the unfortunate Porthos's door. But the latter hai | seen them crossing the court, aid was careful nottoles themin. So their ringing wasin vain. eee In the meantime, Mousqueton proceeded on, anc crossing the Pont-Neuf— still driving the two sorry © beasts before him—he reached the rue aux Ours, where, in accordance with his master’s orders, he’ fastened the __ horse and the mule to the knocker of the attoi ney | " door; and then, without disturbing himself about | future fate, he returned to find Porthos, and inform that his commission had been le After some time, the two un appy beasts, having eat- — en nothing since the morning, made so great a noise, by _ lifting up and letting fall the knocker, that the attorney ordered his stump-in-the-gutter to inquire in the neig borhood to whom this horse and mule belo Madame Coquenard recognised her present, and could \ not, at first, at all comprehend ti is ty egy, took But a visit from Porthos soon enlightened her. e rage which, in spite of the constraint that he imposed upon = himself, sparkled in the _musketeer’s eyes, alarmed his susceptible admirer. In fact, Motsqueton had not — Ps gy ae from 77 wpe apr: he had met d’Artagnan — an ramis; and that the former had recognized,inthe . | yellow horse, the very Bearnese nag on which he nad arrived at Paris, and which he had gold for thre crowns, i* Porthos left again, as soon as he had ma ap: pointment to meet the attorney's wife in the cloi 1" a ™ - . at - a > ee . de we a F * 4 St. Magloire. When her husband saw that Porthos — was leaving, he invited him to dinner—an invitation — which the musketeer declined with an air of majestic — adame Coquenard trembled as she went towards the - cloister 8t. Magloire, for she anticipated the reproaches — that awaited her there. But she was fascinated by th . lofty manners of Porthos. 4 ey te ree All the- imprecations and reproaches that a man, ~- whose vanity is wounded, can pour upon a woman’ ba head, were poured by Porthos on the humble bead of — the attorney's wife. oa WBSAC. ‘* Alas!”’ said she, “I didit all for the best. Oneof — | our clients is a horse-dealer: he owed us money, and was — Me: * apeony g ! reluctant to pay; so ] took this mule and horse in discharge of his debt. But he had promised me two royal animals.”’ eS ‘* Well, madame,” said Porthos, “if his debt was more _ than five crowns, your horse-dealerisathief.% = = ‘It is not forbidden one to look out for a good bargain, M. Porthos,”’ said the attorney's wife, by way of excuse. Me ‘*No, inadame; but those who look out for good be Pe _ gains ought to permit others to look out for more gene- | rous friends.”’ Bee o And, turning on his heel, Porthos made a step towarde "— ng. - M_ Porthos! M. Porthos!" exclaimed the attc wife, “I confess that it was wrong. ous have thought of bargaining about the equip gentleman like you.” ‘oe Without replying, Porthos took a second 's ep to eave. pS Rts The attorney's wife fancied that she saw him i an glittering hemisphere, encompassed by duc and _marchionesses, who scattered bags of gold hig feet. . " te yy : | “Stay! in heaven's name stay, M. Porthos!" ¢: A exclaimed she; ‘stay, and let us talk aboutit.”’ © “To talk with you brings me misfortune,” said Por: — iT . d J | thos, : Mt - “ But, tell me, what do you require?” ‘Nothing; for that amounts to the same thing ag though I required something of you.” OS The attorney's wife hung on Porthos’ arm, and, inthe _ Violence of her grief, exclaimed— . a | ‘*M. Porthos, I am completely ignorant about alb these things. Whatcan 1 know abouta horse? Wha _can I know abcut equipments?” > A ‘You should leave it to me, then, who do understand them, maaame. But you wanted to get things cheap, | nat you might lend at usury.” eT | “Tt was wrong M. Porthos; and I will give you repa ‘ration, or my word of honor,” mene RE _~ f . 7 . , Fs