The leader closed the window, came out an instant after by the door, and satisfied himself that the woman was in the carriage.

His two companions were already on horseback.

He sprang into his saddle; the lackey took his place by the coachman; the carriage went off at a quick pace, escorted by the three horsemen, and all was over.

From that moment I have neither seen nor heard anything." D'Artagnan, entirely overcome by this terrible story, remained motionless and mute, while all the demons of anger and jealousy were howling in his heart.
"But, my good gentleman," resumed the old man, upon whom this mute despair certainly produced a greater effect than cries and tears would have done, "do not take on so; they did not kill her, and that's a comfort." "Can you guess," said d'Artagnan, "who was the man who headed this infernal expedition ?" "I don't know him." "But as you spoke to him you must have seen him." "Oh, it's a description you want ?" "Exactly so." "A tall, dark man, with black mustaches, dark eyes, and the air of a gentleman." "That's the man!" cried d'Artagnan, "again he, forever he! He is my demon, apparently.

And the other ?" "Which ?" "The short one." "Oh, he was not a gentleman, I'll answer for it; besides, he did not wear a sword, and the others treated him with small consideration." "Some lackey," murmured d'Artagnan.