Let us go, at once." Monsieur Friedisch was not a talker, and D'Artagnan had too many things to think about to say much.

From Planchet's shop to the Louvre was not far,--they arrived in ten minutes.

It was a dark night.

M.de Friedisch wanted to enter by the wicket.

"No," said D'Artagnan, "you would lose time by that; take the little staircase." The Swiss did as D'Artagnan advised, and conducted him to the vestibule of the king's cabinet.