Bazin cast a sidelong glance at the horse, and replied,
"Monsieur le surintendant gave him four from his own
stables; and each of the four is worth four of yours."

The blood mounted to the face of D'Artagnan. His hand itched
and his eye glanced over the head of Bazin, to select the
place upon which he should discharge his anger. But it
passed away; reflection came, and D'Artagnan contented
himself with saying, --

"The devil! the devil! I have done well to quit the service
of the king. Tell me, worthy Master Bazin," added he, "how
many musketeers does monsieur le surintendant retain in his
service?"

"He could have all there are in the kingdom with his money,"
replied Bazin, closing his book, and dismissing the boys
with some kindly blows of his cane.

"The devil! the devil!" repeated D'Artagnan, once more, as
if to annoy the pedagogue. But as supper was now announced,
he followed the cook, who introduced him into the refectory,
where it awaited him. D'Artagnan placed himself at the
table, and began a hearty attack upon his fowl.

"It appears to me," said D'Artagnan, biting with all his
might at the tough fowl they had served up to him, and which
they had evidently forgotten to fatten, -- "it appears that
I have done wrong in not seeking service with that master
yonder. A powerful noble this intendant, seemingly! In good