To your posts, gentlemen! I suppose," added he, on seeing that all prepared to obey him, except the surveillant officer, "you have no orders to object, this time ?" And D'Artagnan almost triumphed while speaking these words.

This plan would prove the safety of his friends.

The blockade once raised, they might embark immediately, and set sail for England or Spain, without fear of being molested.

Whilst they were making their escape, D'Artagnan would return to the king; would justify his return by the indignation which the mistrust of Colbert had raised in him; he would be sent back with full powers, and he would take Belle-Isle; that is to say, the cage, after the birds had flown.

But to this plan the officer opposed a further order of the king's.