“Well,” said Porthos, “in the first place make a bargain with the mercer, and a good bargain.”

“That’s useless,” said d’Artagnan; “for I believe if he does not pay us, we shall be well enough paid by another party.”

At this moment a sudden noise of footsteps was heard upon the stairs; the door was thrown violently open, and the unfortunate mercer rushed into the chamber in which the council was held.

“Save me, gentlemen, for the love of heaven, save me!” cried he.  “There are four men come to arrest me.  Save me!  Save me!”

Porthos and Aramis arose.

“A moment,” cried d’Artagnan, making them a sign to replace in the scabbard their half-drawn swords.  “It is not courage that is needed; it is prudence.”

“And yet,” cried Porthos, “we will not leave—­”

“You will leave d’Artagnan to act as he thinks proper,” said Athos.  “He has, I repeat, the longest head of the four, and for my part I declare that I will obey him.  Do as you think best, d’Artagnan.”

At this moment the four Guards appeared at the door of the antechamber, but seeing four Musketeers standing, and their swords by their sides, they hesitated about going farther.

“Come in, gentlemen, come in,” called d’Artagnan; “you are here in my apartment, and we are all faithful servants of the king and cardinal.”

“Then, gentlemen, you will not oppose our executing the orders we have received?” asked one who appeared to be the leader of the party.

“On the contrary, gentlemen, we would assist you if it were necessary.”

“What does he say?” grumbled Porthos.

“You are a simpleton,” said Athos.  “Silence!”

“But you promised me—­” whispered the poor mercer.

“We can only save you by being free ourselves,” replied d’Artagnan, in a rapid, low tone; “and if we appear inclined to defend you, they will arrest us with you.”

“It seems, nevertheless—­”

“Come, gentlemen, come!” said d’Artagnan, aloud; “I have no motive for defending Monsieur.  I saw him today for the first time, and he can tell you on what occasion; he came to demand the rent of my lodging.  Is that not true, Monsieur Bonacieux?  Answer!”

“That is the very truth,” cried the mercer; “but Monsieur does not tell you—­”

“Silence, with respect to me, silence, with respect to my friends; silence about the queen, above all, or you will ruin everybody without saving yourself!  Come, come, gentlemen, remove the fellow.”  And d’Artagnan pushed the half-stupefied mercer among the Guards, saying to him, “You are a shabby old fellow, my dear.  You come to demand money of me—­of a Musketeer!  To prison with him!  Gentlemen, once more, take him to prison, and keep him under key as long as possible; that will give me time to pay him.”

The officers were full of thanks, and took away their prey.  As they were going down d’Artagnan laid his hand on the shoulder of their leader.