“This is the gentleman I am to fight with,” said Athos, pointing to D’Artagnan and saluting him.

“Why I am also going to fight with him,” said Porthos.

“But not before one o’clock,” replied D’Artagnan.

“Well, and I also am going to fight with that gentleman,” said Aramis.

“But not till two o’clock,” said D’Artagnan calmly.

“And now you are all assembled, gentleman, permit me to offer you my excuses.”

At this word “excuses” a cloud passed over the brow of Athos, a haughty smile curled the lip of Porthos, and a negative sign was the reply of Aramis.

“You do not understand me, gentleman,” said D’Artagnan, throwing up his head.  “I ask to be excused in case I should not be able to discharge my debt to all three; for M. Athos has the right to kill me first.  And now, gentleman, I repeat, excuse me, but on that account only, and—­guard!”

At these words D’Artagnan drew his sword, and at that moment so elated was he that he would have drawn his sword against all the musketeers in the kingdom.

Scarcely had the two rapiers sounded on meeting, when a company of the cardinal’s guards appeared on the scene.  At that time there was not only a standing feud between the king’s musketeers and the guards of Cardinal Richelieu, there was also a prohibition against duelling.

“The cardinal’s guards!  The cardinal’s guards!” cried Aramis and Porthos at the same time.  “Sheathe swords, gentlemen!  Sheathe swords!” But it was too late.

Jussac, commander of the guards, had seen the combatants in a position which could not be mistaken.

“Hullo, musketeers,” he called out; “fighting, are you, in spite of the edicts?  Well, duty before everything.  Sheathe your swords, please, and follow us.”

“That is quite impossible,” said Aramis politely.  “The best thing you can do is to pass on your way.”

“We shall charge upon you, then,” said Jussac. “if you disobey.”

“There are five of them,” said Athos, “and we are but three.  We shall be beaten, and must die on the spot, for on my part I will never face my captain as a conquered man.”

Athos, Porthos, and Aramis instantly closed in, and Jussac drew up his soldiers.

In that short interval D’Artagnan determined on the part he was to take; it was a decision of life-long importance.  He had to choose between the king and the cardinal, and the choice made, it must be persisted in.  He turned towards Athos and his friends.  “Gentlemen,” said he, “allow me to correct your words.  You said you were but three, but it appears to me we are four.  I do not wear the uniform, but my heart is that of a musketeer.”

“Withdraw, young man, and save your skin!” cried Jussac.

The three musketeers thought of D’Artagnan’s youth, and dreaded his inexperience.

“Try me, gentlemen,” said D’Artagnan, “and I swear to you that I will never go hence if we are conquered.”