Charles II.

walked pensively along, his head hanging down and his hand beneath his cloak.

Monk followed him, with crossed arms and an uneasy look.

D'Artagnan came last, with his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Where is the boat in which you came, gentlemen ?" said Charles to the musketeer.
"Yonder, sire; I have seven men and an officer waiting me in that little bark which is lighted by a fire." "Yes, I see; the boat is drawn upon the sand; but you certainly did not come from Newcastle in that frail bark ?" "No, sire; I freighted a felucca, at my own expense, which is at anchor within cannon-shot of the downs.

It was in that felucca we made the voyage." "Sir," said the king to Monk, "you are free." However firm his will, Monk could not suppress an exclamation.