This last clause made Planchet knit his brows a little, but
when he saw the brilliant eye, the muscular hand, the supple
and strong back of his associate, he regained his courage,
and, without regret, he at once added another stroke to his
signature. D'Artagnan did the same. Thus was drawn the first
known company contract; perhaps such things have been abused
a little since, both in form and principle.

"Now," said Planchet, pouring out the last glass of Anjou
wine for D'Artagnan, -- "now go to sleep, my dear master."

"No," replied D'Artagnan; "for the most difficult part now
remains to be done, and I will think over that difficult
part."

"Bah!" said Planchet; "I have such great confidence in you,
M. d'Artagnan, that I would not give my hundred thousand
livres for ninety thousand livres down."

"And devil take me if I don't think you are right!" Upon
which D'Artagnan took a candle and went up to his bedroom.




CHAPTER 21

In which D'Artagnan prepares to travel
for the Firm of Planchet and Company