You have seen M.d'Artagnan in Paris, have you not ?" "_Certes_, and think him a man of intelligence, and even a man of heart; although he did bring about the death of our dear friends, Lyodot and D'Eymeris." "Alas! yes, I heard of that.

At Tours I met the courier who was bringing the letter from Gourville, and the dispatches from Pelisson.

Have you seriously reflected on that event, monsieur ?" "Yes." "And in it you perceived a direct attack upon your sovereignty ?" "And do you believe it to be so ?" "Oh, yes, I think so." "Well, I must confess, that sad idea occurred to me likewise." "Do not blind yourself, monsieur, in the name of Heaven! Listen attentively to me,--I return to D'Artagnan." "I am all attention." "Under what circumstances did you see him ?" "He came here for money." "With what kind of order ?" "With an order from the king." "Direct ?" "Signed by his majesty." "There, then! Well, D'Artagnan has been to Belle-Isle; he was disguised; he came in the character of some sort of an _intendant_, charged by his master to purchase salt-mines.

Now, D'Artagnan has no other master but the king: he came, then, sent by the king.

He saw Porthos." "Who is Porthos ?" "I beg your pardon, I made a mistake.