Soldiers are big children; but as I maintain that the orders of the king, and more particularly the orders of the cardinal, should be executed--" D'Artagnan could not restrain a smile.

By this smile M.de Treville judged that he had not to deal with a fool, and changing the conversation, came straight to the point.
"I respected your father very much," said he.

"What can I do for the son?
Tell me quickly; my time is not my own." "Monsieur," said d'Artagnan, "on quitting Tarbes and coming hither, it was my intention to request of you, in remembrance of the friendship which you have not forgotten, the uniform of a Musketeer; but after all that I have seen during the last two hours, I comprehend that such a favor is enormous, and tremble lest I should not merit it." "It is indeed a favor, young man," replied M.de Treville, "but it may not be so far beyond your hopes as you believe, or rather as you appear to believe.

But his majesty's decision is always necessary; and I inform you with regret that no one becomes a Musketeer without the preliminary ordeal of several campaigns, certain brilliant actions, or a service of two years in some other regiment less favored than ours." D'Artagnan bowed without replying, feeling his desire to don the Musketeer's uniform vastly increased by the great difficulties which preceded the attainment of it.
"But," continued M.de Treville, fixing upon his compatriot a look so piercing that it might be said he wished to read the thoughts of his heart, "on account of my old companion, your father, as I have said, I will do something for you, young man.

Our recruits from Bearn are not generally very rich, and I have no reason to think matters have much changed in this respect since I left the province.