Then between this and to-morrow evening, when you please." D'Artagnan bowed as if to take his leave; but, perceiving the king very much embarrassed, "Will you majesty," said he, stepping two paces forward, "take the court with you ?" "Certainly I shall." "Then you majesty will, doubtless, want the musketeers ?" And the eye of the king sank beneath the penetrating glance of the captain.
"Take a brigade of them," replied Louis.
"Is that all?
Has your majesty no other orders to give me ?" "No--ah--yes." "I am all attention, sire." "At the castle of Nantes, which I hear is very ill arranged, you will adopt the practice of placing musketeers at the door of each of the principal dignitaries I shall take with me." "Of the principal ?" "Yes." "For instance, at the door of M.de Lyonne ?" "Yes." "And that of M.Letellier ?" "Yes." "Of M.de Brienne ?" "Yes." "And of monsieur le surintendant ?" "Without doubt." "Very well, sire.

By to-morrow I shall have set out." "Oh, yes; but one more word, Monsieur d'Artagnan.

At Nantes you will meet with M.le Duc de Gesvres, captain of the guards.

Be sure that your musketeers are placed before his guards arrive.

Precedence always belongs to the first comer." "Yes, sire." "And if M.de Gesvres should question you ?" "Question me, sire! Is it likely that M.de Gesvres should question me ?" And the musketeer, turning cavalierly on his heel, disappeared.