cannot expose you to such privations. I have no means of
rewarding such services."

"Bah!" said Athos, laughing. "Your majesty is joking, have
you not a million? Ah! why am I not possessed of half such a
sum! I would already have raised a regiment. But, thank God!
I have still a few rolls of gold and some family diamonds
left. Your majesty will, I hope, deign to share with a
devoted servant."

"With a friend -- yes, count, but on condition that, in his
turn, that friend will share with me hereafter!"

"Sire!" said Athos, opening a casket, from which he drew
both gold and jewels, "you see, sire, we are too rich.
Fortunately, there are four of us, in the event of our
meeting with thieves."

Joy made the blood rush to the pale cheeks of Charles II.,
as he saw Athos's two horses, led by Grimaud, already booted
for the journey, advance towards the porch.

"Blaisois, this letter for the Vicomte de Bragelonne. For
everybody else I am gone to Paris. I confide the house to
you, Blaisois." Blaisois bowed, shook hands with Grimaud,
and shut the gate.