court going out to a similar encounter. Really, one might just as well
permit duelling."

Manicamp started, and moved as if he were about to withdraw. "Is your
majesty satisfied?"

"Delighted; but do not withdraw yet, Monsieur de Manicamp," said Louis,
"I have something to say to you."

"Well, well!" thought D'Artagnan, "there is another who is not up to the
mark;" and he uttered a sigh which might signify, "Oh! the men of _our_
stamp, where are they _now?_"

At this moment an usher lifted up the curtain before the door, and
announced the king's physician.

"Ah!" exclaimed Louis, "here comes Monsieur Valot, who has just been to
see M. de Guiche. We shall now hear news of the man maltreated by the
boar."

Manicamp felt more uncomfortable than ever.

"In this way, at least," added the king, "our conscience will be quite
clear." And he looked at D'Artagnan, who did not seem in the slightest
degree discomposed.


Chapter XVIII:
The Physician.