.

Sword-Thrusts in the Water (concluded).
D'Artagnan's apartment was not unoccupied; for the Comte de la Fere, seated in the recess of a window, awaited him.

"Well," said he to D'Artagnan, as he saw him enter.
"Well," said the latter, "M.

de Wardes has done me the honor to pay me a visit, in company with some of his own friends, as well as of ours." In fact, behind the musketeer appeared De Wardes and Manicamp, followed by De Guiche and Buckingham, who looked surprised, not knowing what was expected of them.

Raoul was accompanied by two or three gentlemen; and, as he entered, glanced round the room, and perceiving the count, he went and placed himself by his side.