Alexandre Dumas: The Man in the Iron Mask

Chapter 52: M. de Gesvres's Round. (continued)

"Ah, Monsieur de Gesvres! good evening!"

"One would say you were getting on horseback."

"More than that, - I am mounted, - as you see."

"It is fortunate I have met with you."

"Were you looking for me, then?"

"Mon Dieu! yes."

"On the part of the king, I will wager?"

"Yes."

"As I, three days ago, went in search of M. Fouquet?"

"Oh!"

"Nonsense! It is of no use being over-delicate with me; that is all labor lost. Tell me at once you are come to arrest me."

"To arrest you? - Good heavens! no."

"Why do you come to accost me with twelve horsemen at your heels, then?"

"I am making my round."

"That isn't bad! And so you pick me up in your round, eh?"

"I don't pick you up; I meet with you, and I beg you to come with me."

"Where?"

"To the king."

"Good!" said D'Artagnan, with a bantering air; "the king is disengaged."

"For Heaven's sake, captain," said M. de Gesvres, in a low voice to the musketeer, "do not compromise yourself! these men hear you."

D'Artagnan laughed aloud, and replied: