"And that is--"

"Become yourself a musketeer."


CHAPTER II.

THE COMBAT.


On leaving Provins the first musketeer proceeded to Nangis, where
he was reinforced by thirty-three followers. The second musketeer,
arriving at Nangis at the same moment, placed himself at the head
of thirty-three more. The third guest of the landlord of Provins
arrived at Nangis in time to assemble together thirty-three other
musketeers.

The first stranger led the troops of his Eminence.

The second led the troops of the Queen.

The third led the troops of the King.

The fight commenced. It raged terribly for seven hours. The first
musketeer killed thirty of the Queen's troops. The second
musketeer killed thirty of the King's troops. The third musketeer
killed thirty of his Eminence's troops.

By this time it will be perceived the number of musketeers had been
narrowed down to four on each side.