Chapter 22 Chapter 20 Journey

At two o'clock in the morning our four adventurers left Paris by the Porte Saint-Denis.It was so dark that they couldn't see their fingers. They walked in silence, unconsciously affected by the darkness, and felt as if there were ambushes everywhere. They did not speak until the dawn broke; and as the morning sun rose, the joy returned: it was like the eve of a battle, with their hearts beating and their eyes smiling, and they felt as if they were living forever. , is really worthy of nostalgia. The appearance of this group of travelers, however, was formidable: the musketeers' dark horses, their military bearing, and the cavalry habit of these noble comrades-in-arms marching in neat rows, all betrayed their carefully concealed identities.

The four servants who followed were also fully armed. About eight o'clock in the morning, they arrived in Chantilly without incident.It's time for breakfast.They saw the sign of an inn, which depicted Saint Martin covering half of his cloak to a poor man, so they went to the inn and dismounted, and told the attendants not to take off their saddles, and they were ready to set off at any time. . They went into the living room and sat down around the dining table. A gentleman from the Damadan road sat at breakfast with them.He greeted these traveling companions, and they greeted him; he toasted them to their health, and they toasted him in return.

But when Mousquedon came to say that the horse was ready, and the four traveling companions rose to leave the table, the stranger suggested to Porthos that a toast to the cardinal's health.Porthos replied that he would be willing, if the other party would drink to the king's health.The stranger exclaimed that he knew no one who was king but His Excellency the Cardinal.Porthos called him a drunkard, and the man drew his sword. You did something stupid.Athos said that there was no way to back down now.Kill this guy and catch up with us as soon as possible. The other three jumped on their horses and galloped away.Porthos told his enemy that he would use his best swordsmanship to stab holes all over his body.

There is one less!Five hundred paces, said Athos. Why did that man find Porthos and not anyone else?asked Aramis. Because Porthos spoke in a higher voice than us, the man took him for the boss.said d'Artagnan. I just said that this young man from Gascony is a think tank. Several traveling companions continued on their way. They stopped at Beauvais for two hours, to let the horses breathe and to wait for Porthos.Two hours passed without seeing Porthos coming or hearing from him, so they had no choice but to continue on their way. At one point, a league from Beauvais, the road was wedged between two steep slopes, the flagstones of which had been thrown off.They saw a dozen men digging holes and clearing mud from the ruts.

Aramis reprimanded them angrily, fearing that the mud splashed by those men would stain their riding boots.Athos wanted to stop him, but it was too late.The workers started laughing at some of their traveling companions.Their insolence made even Athos lose his cool, and he rushed his mount towards one of them. So all those people retreated to the edge of the ditch, and each took up a musket.As a result, our seven travelers became veritable targets.Aramis was pierced by a bullet in the shoulder; Musqueton had one too, lodged in a muscle in the lower waist.However, only Musqueton fell from his horse, not because he was seriously injured, but because he could not see the wound, and he probably felt that his injury was more dangerous than it actually was.

Ambush.Don't fight back, said d'Artagnan, but go away. Aramis, in spite of his wounds, clung desperately to the mane, and let the horse run with the others on its back.Muskon's horse also followed, without a man on its back, and ran with the team. So we have a replacement horse.said Athos. I'd rather have a hat, said d'Artagnan, mine was blown off by a bullet.Good God, I'm lucky I didn't have the letter hidden in the hat. This is true.But poor Porthos, said Aramis, would surely be killed when he passed there. If Porthos is still alive, it is time to catch up with us.Said Athos, I think the drunk sobered up when he came to the duel.

Although the horses were very tired, and they might not be able to run any longer, they galloped on for two hours. A few travelers took a quicker path, hoping it would save trouble.But when they reached Sadtown, Aramis said that he could go no further.Indeed, even though Aramis is so personable and polite, he is really brave and tenacious, otherwise he would not have come here at all.His face was getting paler and paler, and he had to be supported to sit firmly on the horseback.In front of a small tavern, two companions helped him off his horse and left him Bazin.There was an encounter on the road, and this follower was useless except for getting in the way.Others resumed their journey, hoping to make it to Amiens for the night.

When they set off again, there were only two masters and two servants, Grimer and Planchet, left.Atos said: damn it!I will never be fooled by them again.From here to Calais, I will never speak again, nor draw my sword.I swear Don't swear, said d'Artagnan, and run as long as the horse can go. He stabbed the horse's stomach with the horse stabbing awl, and the horse was stimulated severely, and it became energetic again.They reached Amiens at midnight, and dismounted in front of the Golden Lily Inn. The owner seemed to be the honestest guy in the world.Holding a candle in one hand and taking off his cotton cap with the other, he greeted several passengers.He wanted to accommodate the two travelers in two comfortable rooms, but those two rooms were at opposite ends of the inn, and D'Artagnan and Athos refused.The owner said that there is no room suitable for two adults.The two travelers said they could share a room by throwing them two mattresses on the floor.The owner said it was impossible, but they had to insist on living like this, so they had to respect their wishes.

They had just made the bed and locked the door from the inside when they suddenly heard someone knocking on the shutters facing the courtyard.They asked who it was, and opened the window when they heard the voices of the two servants. Sure enough, it was Planchet and Grimer. It is enough for the horse to be looked after by Grimmer alone.If the gentlemen agree, said Planchet, I will sleep at your door.In this way, you can rest assured that no one can rely on your side. So, what do you sleep on?asked d'Artagnan. This is my bed.Planchet said. He pointed to a sheaf of straw. You do it.You are right, said d'Artagnan.I don't think there's anything wrong with the way the shopkeeper looks, he's too attentive.

I also feel wrong.said Athos. Planchet crept into the room through the window, and lay down on the doorway, while Grimer ran into the stable and closed the door to sleep, making sure that at five o'clock in the morning he and the four horses were all ready for the journey. It was a fairly peaceful night.At two o'clock in the morning, an attempt was made to open the door, but Planchet was startled awake, crying: Who is it?The person outside the door replied that he had gone to the wrong door and left. At four o'clock in the morning there was a noise in the barn, and it turned out that Grimaud was trying to wake up some of the grooms, who were beating him.The two travelers opened the window, and there the poor footman was unconscious, his head slit open by the handle of the fork.

Planchet went down in the yard to saddle the horse, but found the horse limping.Only Musqueton's foot was free from a limp.The horse had been without a pack for five or six hours last night, and could have continued on its way, but the veterinarian who had been called in to bled the owner's horse made an incredible mistake and bled it. The situation has become disturbing.These successive accidents may be accidental coincidences, but they may also be the result of some kind of conspiracy.Athos and d'Artagnan left the room.Planchet was planning to go nearby to inquire if he could buy three horses. As soon as he left the inn, he saw two well-saddled, strong and strong horses tied outside the door.This is exactly what they need.He asked where the owner of the horse was, and he was told that the owner of the horse had spent the night in the shop and was now paying the bill with the shopkeeper. When Athos went down to pay the bill, dArtagnan and Planchet were waiting for him at the street gate.The innkeeper was in a low room at the back, and Athos was invited there. Unsuspecting, Athos entered the room and paid the bill with two pistols.The owner sat alone at his desk, one of the desk drawers was open.He took the money that Athos handed him, turned it over in his hand, and suddenly shouted that the money was fake, and threatened to arrest Athos and his companions as counterfeiters. What a strange thing!Athos stepped forward and said, I will cut off your ears. At this moment, four armed men came in from a side door, and rushed towards Athos. I was fooled!cried Athos, at the top of his voice, "Run, d'Artagnan!"Stab, spur, run!Then he fired his pistol twice, D'Artagnan and Planchet did not wait to shout a second time, untied the two horses at the door, jumped on their backs, stabbed the horses in the belly with their spurs, and galloped away like arrows leaving the string. Did you see what happened to Athos?D'Artagnan asked Planchet while driving. ah!Monsieur, replied Planchet, I killed two of the two I saw him shoot.Through the glass door, I seem to see him fighting with the other two. Athos is a good man!murmured d'Artagnan, how sad it is to think of leaving him!However, a few steps ahead, maybe someone has ambushed and waited for us.Go, Planchet, go!You are very good. I told you, Monsieur, said Planchet, that Picards do not see their true colors until they are practiced.Besides, this area is my hometown, which inspires me. The master and servant stabbed the horse harder, and ran to Saint-Omer in one breath.Afraid of accidents, they put the reins on their arms and let the horses breathe. They stood by the street and ate something, and immediately went on the road after eating. A hundred or so paces from the gates of Calais, D'Artagnan's horse fell to the ground, unable to get up again, bleeding from its nose and eyes. Only Planchet's horse remained, but there was no way to make it go any further. Fortunately, as has been said, they were only a hundred paces from the gates of Calais, so they left their horses by the road and galloped towards the port.Planchet called his master's attention to a gentleman with a valet some fifty paces ahead of them. They quickly overtook the gentleman.The gentleman, who seemed in a hurry, with dusty riding boots, asked if he could cross the sea to England at once. It couldn't have been easier.But this morning came an order, said the boatman on board a boat that was about to set sail, that no one should be allowed to go without a special certificate from the cardinal. I have a certificate of permission, said the gentleman, and took out a piece of official paper, you see. Go to the Harbor Master for his signature, said the boatman, and do me the honor of coming aboard my ship. Where is the Harbor Superintendent? in his villa. Where is his villa? A quarter of a league from the city.Look, you can see it from here, that slate house at the foot of that hill. very good!said the gentleman. He took his attendants and walked to the harbor superintendent's villa. D'Artagnan and Planchet followed him at a distance of five hundred paces. Once outside the town, D'Artagnan quickened his pace, and overtook the gentleman just as he was entering a grove. Monsieur, d'Artagnan said to the gentleman, you seem to be in a hurry. In a hurry, sir. This really disappoints me, said d'Artagnan, as I am also in a hurry and would like to ask you for your help. What can I do for you? Let me be the first to do it. Impossible, said the gentleman, I have traveled sixty leagues in forty-four hours, and must be in London by noon tomorrow. I have traveled as much in forty hours, and must be in London at ten o'clock tomorrow morning. I'm sorry, sir, but I'm the first to arrive, so I can't be the second. I'm sorry, sir, but I'm the second here and must be the first. I serve the king.said the gentleman. I do things for myself.said d'Artagnan. It looks like you're trying to find fault. Needless to say, I just want to find fault with you. what do you want Do you want to know? certainly. Well, I want that license you've got on you because I don't have one and I have to. I think you are joking. I never joke. Ler me get through. You can't get through. Daredevil young man, I'll knock your head off.Hello!Luban!Get my pistol. Planchet, cried d'Artagnan, take care of the servants, and I will deal with the master. Planchet had done a good job in front of him, and he became bolder and rushed towards Lupin.He was strong and powerful, and threw Luban to the ground in one fell swoop, and put his knees on his chest. Do your work, sir, said Planchet, mine is done. Seeing this, the gentleman drew his sword and struck at d'Artagnan, but he met a formidable opponent. In three seconds d'Artagnan struck him three times, saying at each blow: One sword to avenge Athos!One sword to avenge Portos!One sword to avenge Aramis! Gentleman received the third blow and fell like a heap. D'Artagnan, thinking that he was dead, or at least unconscious, approached to get the permit, and was about to search him, when the wounded gentleman raised the sword which he had not thrown away, and offered it to D'Artagnan as a breast. stabbed the sword and said: One sword to avenge yourself! One sword to avenge myself!Save the best for last!Howled d'Artagnan angrily, and stabbed the gentleman a fourth time in the stomach, pinning him to the ground. This time the gentleman closed his eyes and lost consciousness. D'Artagnan had just seen the gentleman put the permit back into a pocket, and now he reached in and felt it.The certificate said Count Walder. The Count was a handsome young man of about twenty-five.D'Artagnan cast a last glance at him, and saw him sprawled on the ground, unconscious, perhaps dead.He sighed, feeling deeply that the fate of heaven is inconceivable, it makes people kill each other, but it is for the benefit of those who have nothing to do with him, and who don't even know that they exist in this world. But D'Artagnan was immediately awakened from his contemplation, for Lupin was howling, crying for help. Planchet put his hands around his throat, and held on tight. Sir, when I hold him like this he doesn't cry out, that's for sure, but as soon as I let go he'll cry out again.From that I knew he was a Norman, and Normans are stubborn. Sure enough, although Lu Ban was strangled, he still tried to shout. Wait a moment!said d'Artagnan. He took out his handkerchief and gagged Lu Ban's mouth. Now let's tie him to a tree.Planchet said. They tied Lupin firmly to a tree, and dragged Count Wald to his squire.It was getting dark, and one of the master and servant was bound and the other was wounded, and they were in the woods, some distance away from the outside, so they obviously had to stay here until the next day. Now go to the Harbor Master's house.said d'Artagnan. However, you seem to be injured?asked Planchet. It doesn't matter, let's do the most urgent thing first, and then come to see my wound.Besides, I don't think it's a serious injury. The two strode towards the noble official's villa. The porter announced Mr. Walder's visit. D'Artagnan was led inside. Do you have a cardinal charter?asked the Harbor Superintendent. Yes, sir, answered D'Artagnan, that is. oh!oh!This proves that the procedures are complete and clear. This is quite natural, replied d'Artagnan, I am one of the cardinal's most loyal followers. His Excellency the Bishop seems to want to prevent someone from going to England. Yes, a man named D'Artagnan, a gentleman from Béarn, who set out from Paris with three friends, intending to go to London. do you know himasked the Harbor Superintendent. know who? Do you know D'Artagnan? Very cooked. Then please tell me his features. It's so easy. Then, D'Artagnan gave a detailed introduction to Earl Walder's appearance. Is he accompanied by someone?asked the Harbor Superintendent. Yes, a follower named Lu Ban. We'll keep an eye on them.As long as they are caught, my lord cardinal can rest assured that we will take strict precautions and escort them to Paris. Then, Monsieur the Superintendent, said d'Artagnan, you will be rewarded by the cardinal. Will you see the Bishop when you return, Monsieur Earl? Sure to see you. Please tell him that I will serve him faithfully. It must be done. Hearing this positive answer, the harbor superintendent was very happy, signed the pass, and handed it to dArtagnan. D'Artagnan was afraid of wasting time, so he did not say any more compliments, but only saluted the harbor superintendent, thanked him, and withdrew. As soon as they were outside, he and Planchet ran, made a wide detour, avoided the woods, and entered the town by another gate. The ship stayed there ready to sail, and the boatman stood on the dock and waited. How about it?he asked d'Artagnan as soon as he saw him. This is a signed pass.said d'Artagnan. Where is the other gentleman? He can't go today.D'Artagnan replied, but don't worry, I will pay for two people. Let's go then.Said the boatman. Let's go!replied d'Artagnan. He and Planchet jumped onto a sampan, and five minutes later were on board. They went in good time, for after the ship had sailed half a mile, d'Artagnan saw a flash of fire, followed by a cannon fire. This is the trumpet to announce the blockade of the port. Now it's time to look at the wound.Fortunately, as d'Artagnan expected, the wound was not particularly serious: the tip of the sword touched a rib and slipped past, and the shirt immediately stuck to the wound, and there was not much bleeding. D'Artagnan was exhausted, and the boatman threw a mattress for him on the deck, and he fell asleep on top of it. At dawn the next day we were only three or four leagues from the English coast.The wind was low at night, and the boat was not moving fast. At ten o'clock the ship dropped anchor at Dufaur. At half-past ten d'Artagnan stepped onto English soil, exclaiming: Finally arrived! But things have not been successful, and have to rush to London.The service of the coach station in the UK is quite attentive.D'Artagnan and Planchet each hired a pony, led by a postman, and they walked for four hours to the gates of the English capital. D'Artagnan had never been to London, and he could not speak a word of English, but he wrote Buckingham's name on a piece of paper, and asked everyone he could tell him how to get to the duke's palace. The Duke is hunting with the King at Windsor. D'Artagnan asked to see the duke's entourage.The footman had been traveling with the duke and could speak perfect French.D'Artagnan told him that he had come from Paris on a matter of life and death, which he must tell his master at once. The attendant was named Patrick, and he was the Prime Minister of the British Prime Minister.The trusting manner in which d'Artagnan spoke convinced him.He had two horses brought ready, and promised to take the young Custodian to Buckingham.Planchet, being helped from his horse, was as immobile as a log. The poor fellow was exhausted, while D'Artagnan was like a king of iron. They hastened to the King's palace, and when they got there they found that the King and Buckingham, with their hawk, were hunting in the marshes two or three leagues away. It took them twenty minutes to get there.Immediately Patrick heard the master's call to the eagle. Who should I inform the Duke of coming?Patrick asked. For example, it was a young man who quarreled with the Duke one night on the New Bridge opposite Samaritan. What a quirky introduction! You'll see that it works better than other presentations. Patrick galloped up to the duke, and informed the duke that a messenger was waiting for him, in the language we have just mentioned. Buckingham knew at once that it was d'Artagnan who came to bring him news, presumably something had happened in France.He asked at once where the man who had brought the news was, but he recognized the clothes of the Custodian from afar, and rode straight to D'Artagnan. Patrick stayed aside out of caution. No misfortune happened to the Queen, did she?asked Buckingham eagerly, pouring all his thoughts and all his love into the question. I believe not, but she is in some great danger, and only a grown-up can help her out. I?cried Buckingham, what is the matter?I am very happy to be of service to her.Speak, please speak! Please take this letter.said d'Artagnan. this letter!Who wrote this letter? I think Her Majesty wrote it. Written by Her Majesty the Queen!said Buckingham, turning so pale that d'Artagnan wondered if he was feeling ill. Buckingham tore off the sealant from the letter. How is it torn here?he asked, pointing to a punctured place through which the light could see through. oh!oh!said d'Artagnan, I did not notice.It was Earl Walder's sword, which almost pierced my chest. Are you injured?asked the Duke of Buckingham, opening the letter. ah!Nothing, said d'Artagnan, scratching a little. God!What did I see in the letter!cried the duke, Patrick, stay here and stay here, or go to His Majesty, find him wherever he is, and tell him I beseech his pardon, for there is something very important to me Back to London.Come on, sir, let's go. The two hit their horses and galloped towards the capital.