2. 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.
Naturally the three principal warriors approached
each other.
They simultaneously uttered a cry:
“Aramis!”
“Athos!”
“D'Artagnan!”
They fell into each other's arms.
“And it seems that we are fighting against each
other, my children,” said the Count de la Fere,
mournfully.
“How singular!” exclaimed Aramis and D'Artagnan.
“Let us stop this fratricidal warfare,” said Athos.
“We will!” they exclaimed together.
“But how to disband our followers?” queried
D'Artagnan.
Aramis winked. They understood each other.
“Let us cut 'em down!”
They cut 'em down: Aramis killed three. D'Artagnan
three. Athos three.
The friends again embraced. “How like old
times,” said Aramis. “How touching!” exclaimed
the serious and philosophic Count de la Fere.
The galloping of hoofs caused them to withdraw
from each other's embraces. A gigantic figure rapidly
approached.
“The innkeeper of Provins! they cried, drawing
their swords.
“Perigord, down with him!” shouted D'Artagnan.
“Stay,” said Athos.
The gigantic figure was beside them. He uttered
a cry.
“Athos, Aramis, D'Artagnan!”
“Porthos!” exclaimed the astonished trio.
“The same.” They all fell in each other's arms.
The Count de la Fere slowly raised his hands to
Heaven. “Bless you! Bless us, my children!
However different our opinion may be in regard to
politics, we have but one opinions in regard to our
own merits. Where can you find a better man than
Aramis?”
“Than Porthos?” said Aramis.
“Than D'Artagnan?” said Porthos.
“Than Athos?” said D'Artagnan.
