commanded you to burn this gentleman.”
“He did not command that, general; he commanded us to bring
him to the camp; but the count was not willing to follow
us.”
“I was not willing that they should enter and plunder my
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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later
house,” said Athos to Monk, with a significant look.
“And you were quite right. To the camp, I say.” The soldiers
departed with dejected looks. “Now we are alone,” said Monk
to Athos, “have the goodness to tell me, monsieur, why you
persisted in remaining here, whilst you had your felucca
—- ”
“I waited for you, general,” said Athos. “Had not your honor
appointed to meet me in a week?”
An eloquent look from D’Artagnan made it clear to Monk that
these two men, so brave and so loyal, had not acted in
concert for his abduction. He knew already it could not be
so.
“Monsieur,” said he to D’Artagnan, “you were perfectly
right. Have the kindness to allow me a moment’s conversation
with M. le Comte de la Fere?”
D’Artagnan took advantage of this to go and ask Grimaud how
he was. Monk requested Athos to conduct him to the chamber
he lived in.
This chamber was still full of smoke and rubbish. More than
fifty balls had passed through the windows and mutilated the
walls. They found a table, inkstand, and materials for
writing. Monk took up a pen, wrote a single line, signed it,
folded the paper, sealed the letter with the seal of his
ring, and handed over the missive to Athos, saying,
“Monsieur, carry, if you please, this letter to King Charles
II., and set out immediately, if nothing detains you here
any longer.”
“And the casks?” said Athos.
“The fisherman who brought me hither will assist you in
transporting them on board. Depart, if possible, within an
hour.”
“Yes, general,” said Athos.
“Monsieur d’Artagnan!” cried Monk, from the window.
D’Artagnan ran up precipitately
“Embrace your friend and bid him adieu, sir; he is returning
to Holland.”
“To Holland!” cried D’Artagnan; “and I?”
“You are at liberty to follow him, monsieur, but I request
you to remain,” said Monk. “Will you refuse me?”
“Oh, no, general; I am at your orders.”
D’Artagnan embraced Athos, and only had time to bid him
adieu. Monk watched them both. Then he took upon himself the
preparations for the departure, the transportation of the
casks on board, and the embarking of Athos; then, taking
D’Artagnan by the arm, who was quite amazed and agitated, he
led him towards Newcastle. Whilst going along, the general
leaning on his arm, D’Artagnan could not help murmuring to
himself, — “Come, come, it seems to me that the shares of
the firm of Planchet and Company are rising.”
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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later
CHAPTER 31
Monk reveals himself
D’Artagnan, although he flattered himself with better
success, had, nevertheless, not too well comprehended his
situation. It was a strange and grave subject for him to
reflect upon — this voyage of Athos into England; this
league of the king with Athos, and that extraordinary
combination of his design with that of the Comte de la Fere.
The best way was to let things follow their own train. An
imprudence had been committed, and, whilst having succeeded,
as he had promised, D’Artagnan found that he had gained no
advantage by his success. Since everything was lost, he
could risk no more.
D’Artagnan followed Monk through his camp. The return of the
general had produced a marvelous effect, for his people had
thought him lost. But Monk, with his austere look and icy
demeanor, appeared to ask of his eager lieutenants and
delighted soldiers the cause of all this joy. Therefore, to
the lieutenants who had come to meet him, and who expressed
the uneasiness with which they had learnt his departure, —
“Why is all this?” said he; “am I obliged to give you an
account of myself?”
“But, your honor, the sheep may well tremble without the
shepherd.”
“Tremble!” replied Monk, in his calm and powerful voice;
“ah, monsieur, what a word! Curse me, if my sheep have not
both teeth and claws; I renounce being their shepherd. Ah,