well known to me, and no one, I am sure, has been able to
discover it. Besides, is the castle of Newcastle quite
destroyed? Have they demolished it stone by stone, and
uprooted the soil to the last tree?"

"No, it is still standing: but at this moment General Monk
occupies it and is encamped there. The only spot from which
I could look for succor, where I possess a single resource,
you see, is invaded by my enemies."

"General Monk, sire, cannot have discovered the treasure
which I speak of."

"Yes, but can I go and deliver myself up to Monk, in order
to recover this treasure? Ah! count, you see plainly I must
yield to destiny, since it strikes me to the earth every
time I rise. What can I do with Parry as my only servant,
with Parry, whom Monk has already driven from his presence?
No, no, no, count, we must yield to this last blow."

"But what your majesty cannot do, and what Parry can no more
attempt, do you not believe that I could succeed in
accomplishing?"

"You -- you, count -- you would go?"

"If it please your majesty," said Athos, bowing to the king,
"yes, I will go, sire."

"What! you so happy here, count?"