.

In which D'Artagnan prepares to travel for the Firm of.
Planchet and Company D'Artagnan reflected to such good purpose during the night that his plan was settled by morning.

"This is it," said he, sitting up in bed, supporting his elbow on his knee, and his chin in his hand;--"this is it.

I shall seek out forty steady, firm men, recruited among people a little compromised, but having habits of discipline.

I shall promise them five hundred livres for a month if they return, nothing if they do not return, or half for their kindred.