It had nothing, however, very clear as a result, but to make a poor lieutenant of musketeers lose his commission and his fortune.

It is true, that in exchange he gained his liberty.

We shall soon know how M.d'Artagnan profited by this.

For the moment, if the reader will permit us, we shall return to the hostelry of les Medici, of which one of the windows opened at the very moment the orders were given for the departure of the king.
The window that opened was that of one of the rooms of Charles II.

The unfortunate prince had passed the night in bitter reflections, his head resting on his hands, and his elbows on the table, whilst Parry, infirm and old, wearied in body and in mind, had fallen asleep in a corner.