"It is really correct, sire: I saw a similar one on the spot."

D'Artagnan's brow became clouded.

"Ah! I understand all. Your majesty did not trust to me alone, but sent
some other person," said he in a reproachful tone.

"Of what importance is the manner, monsieur, in which I have learnt what
I know, so that I know it?"

"Sire, sire," said the musketeer, without seeking even to conceal his
dissatisfaction; "but I must be permitted to say to your majesty, that it
is not worth while to make me use such speed, to risk twenty times the
breaking of my neck, to salute me on my arrival with such intelligence.
Sire, when people are not trusted, or are deemed insufficient, they
should scarcely be employed." And D'Artagnan, with a movement perfectly
military, stamped with his foot, and left upon the floor dust stained
with blood. The king looked at him, inwardly enjoying his first triumph.

"Monsieur," said he, at the expiration of a minute, "not only is Belle-
Isle known to me, but, still further, Belle-Isle is mine."

"That is well! that is well, sire, I ask but one thing more," replied
D'Artagnan. - "My discharge."

"What! your discharge?"

"Without doubt I am too proud to eat the bread of the king without
earning it, or rather by gaining it badly. - My discharge, sire!"