you, and who we had been informed, was the proprietor of the
house in question, aided by a young man who accompanied him,
threw out of the window those who kept up the fire, called
to his assistance the musketeers who were in the crowd,
leapt himself from the window of the first story into the
Place, and plied his sword so desperately that the victory
was restored to the archers, the prisoners were retaken, and
Menneville killed. When once recaptured, the condemned were
executed in three minutes.” Fouquet, in spite of his
self-command, could not prevent a deep groan escaping him.
“And this man, the proprietor of the house, what is his
name?” said the abbe.
“I cannot tell you, not having even been able to get sight
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of him; my post had been appointed in the garden, and I
remained at my post: only the affair was related to me as I
repeat it. I was ordered, when once the affair was at an
end, to come at best speed arid announce to you the manner
in which it finished. According to this order, I set out,
full gallop, and here I am.”
“Very well, monsieur, we have nothing else to ask of you,”
said the abbe, more and more dejected, in proportion as the
moment approached for finding himself alone with his
brother.
“Have you been paid?” asked Gourville.
“Partly, monsieur,” replied Danecamp.
“Here are twenty pistoles. Begone, monsieur, and never
forget to defend, as this time has been done, the true
interests of the king.”
“Yes, monsieur,” said the man, bowing and pocketing the
money. After which he went out. Scarcely had the door closed
after him when Fouquet, who had remained motionless,
advanced with a rapid step and stood between the abbe and
Gourville. Both of them at the same time opened their mouths
to speak to him. “No excuses,” said he, “no recriminations
against anybody. If I had not been a false friend I should
not have confided to any one the care of delivering Lyodot
and D’Eymeris. I alone am guilty; to me alone are reproaches
and remorse due. Leave me, abbe.”
“And yet, monsieur, you will not prevent me,” replied the
latter, “from endeavoring to find out the miserable fellow
who has intervened to the advantage of M. Colbert in this so
well-arranged affair; for, if it is good policy to love our
friends dearly, I do not believe that is bad which consists
in obstinately pursuing our enemies.”
“A truce to policy, abbe; begone, I beg of you, and do not
let me hear any more of you till I send for you; what we
most need is circumspection and silence. You have a terrible
example before you, gentlemen: no reprisals, I forbid them.”
“There are no orders,” grumbled the abbe, “which will
prevent me from avenging a family affront upon the guilty
person.”
“And I,” cried Fouquet, in that imperative tone to which one
feels there is nothing to reply, “if you entertain one
thought, one single thought, which is not the absolute
expression of my will, I will have you cast into the Bastile
two hours after that thought has manifested itself. Regulate
your conduct accordingly, abbe.”
The abbe colored and bowed. Fouquet made a sign to Gourville
to follow him, and was already directing his steps towards
his cabinet, when the usher announced with a loud voice:
“Monsieur le Chevalier d’Artagnan.”
“Who is he?” said Fouquet, negligently, to Gourville.
“An ex-lieutenant of his majesty’s musketeers,” replied
Gourville, in the same tone. Fouquet did not even take the
trouble to reflect, and resumed his walk. “I beg your
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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later
pardon, monseigneur!” said Gourville, “but I have
remembered, this brave man has quitted the king’s service,
and probably comes to receive an installment of some pension
or other.”
“Devil take him!” said Fouquet, “why does he choose his
opportunity so ill?”
“Permit me then, monseigneur, to announce your refusal to
him; for he is one of my acquaintance, and is a man whom, in
our present circumstances, it would be better to have as a
friend than an enemy.”