Adieu, dear friend; believe that I regret greatly not having better, and for a longer time, profited by your excellent company." _"Mordioux!_" cried D'Artagnan.

"I am tricked.

Ah! blockhead, brute, triple fool that I am! But those laugh best who laugh last.

Oh, duped, duped like a monkey, cheated with an empty nutshell!" And with a hearty blow bestowed upon the nose of the smirking _valet de chambre_, he made all haste out of the episcopal palace.

Furet, however good a trotter, was not equal to present circumstances.