"And the rebels ?" said he.
"The rebels have fled," said the king.
D'Artagnan could not restrain a cry of triumph.

"Only," added the king, "I have a fleet which closely blockades Belle-Isle, and I am certain not a bark can escape." "So that," said the musketeer, brought back to his dismal idea, "if these two gentlemen are taken--" "They will be hanged," said the king, quietly.
"And do they know it ?" replied D'Artagnan, repressing his trembling.
"They know it, because you must have told them yourself; and all the country knows it." "Then, sire, they will never be taken alive, I will answer for that." "Ah!" said the king, negligently, and taking up his letter again.

"Very well, they will be dead, then, Monsieur d'Artagnan, and that will come to the same thing, since I should only take them to have them hanged." D'Artagnan wiped the sweat which flowed from his brow.
"I have told you," pursued Louis XIV., "that I would one day be an affectionate, generous, and constant master.

You are now the only man of former times worthy of my anger or my friendship.

I will not spare you either sentiment, according to your conduct.