The king led the way out of the gallery, after having again, with his eyes, sought everywhere for La Valliere, whose absence he could not account for.

The moment they were out of the reach of curious ears, "Well! Monsieur d'Artagnan," said he, "the prisoner ?" "Is in his prison, sire." "What did he say on the road ?" "Nothing, sire." "What did he do ?" "There was a moment at which the fisherman--who took me in his boat to Sainte-Marguerite--revolted, and did his best to kill me.

The--the prisoner defended me instead of attempting to fly." The king became pale.

"Enough!" said he; and D'Artagnan bowed.

Louis walked about his cabinet with hasty steps.