[The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas]@TWC D-Link bookThe Three Musketeers 48 A FAMILY AFFAIR 16/24
Everything considered, I am not sorry to retain Grimaud; he is accustomed to my ways, and I am particular.
Yesterday's affair must have shaken him a little; his voyage would upset him quite." Planchet was sent for, and instructions were given him.
The matter had been named to him by d'Artagnan, who in the first place pointed out the money to him, then the glory, and then the danger. "I will carry the letter in the lining of my coat," said Planchet; "and if I am taken I will swallow it." "Well, but then you will not be able to fulfill your commission," said d'Artagnan. "You will give me a copy this evening, which I shall know by heart tomorrow." D'Artagnan looked at his friends, as if to say, "Well, what did I tell you ?" "Now," continued he, addressing Planchet, "you have eight days to get an interview with Lord de Winter; you have eight days to return--in all sixteen days.
If, on the sixteenth day after your departure, at eight o'clock in the evening you are not here, no money--even if it be but five minutes past eight." "Then, monsieur," said Planchet, "you must buy me a watch." "Take this," said Athos, with his usual careless generosity, giving him his own, "and be a good lad.
Remember, if you talk, if you babble, if you get drunk, you risk your master's head, who has so much confidence in your fidelity, and who answers for you.
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