he
wonders of those times, to which the people of ours would refuse belief,
were every-day occurrences. For five years together, I was a hero every
day; at least, so I was told by persons of judgment; and that is a
long period for heroism, trust me, sire, a period of five years.
Nevertheless, I have faith in what these people told me, for they were
good judges. They were named M. de Richelieu, M. de Buckingham, M. de
Beaufort, M. de Retz, a mighty genius himself in street warfare,--in
short, the king, Louis XIII., and even the queen, your noble mother, who
one day condescended to say, 'Thank you.' I don't know what service I
had had the good fortune to render her. Pardon me, sire, for speaking
so boldly; but what I relate to you, as I have already had the honor to
tell your majesty, is history."

The king bit his lips, and threw himself violently on a chair.

"I appear importunate to your majesty," said the lieutenant. "Eh! sire,
that is the fate of truth; she is a stern companion; she bristles all
over with steel; she wounds those whom she attacks, and sometimes him
who speaks her."

"No, monsieur," replied the king; "I bade you speak--speak then."

"After the service of the king and the cardinal came the service of the
regency, sire; I fought pretty well in the Fronde--much less, though,
than the first time. The men began to diminish in stature. I have,
nevertheless, led your majesty's musketeers on some perilous occasions,
which stand upon the orders of the day of the company. Mine was a
beautiful luck at that time. I was the favorite of M. de Mazarin.
Lieutenant here! lieutenant there! lieutenant to the right! lieutenant
to the left! There was not a buffet dealt in France, of which your
humble servant did not have the dealing; but soon France was not enough.
The cardinal sent me to England on Cromwell's account; another gentleman
who was not over gentle, I assure you, sire. I had the honor of knowing
him, and I was well able to appreciate him. A great deal was promised
me on account of that mission. So, as I did much more than I had been
bidden to do, I was generously paid, for I was at length appointed
captain of the musketeers, that is to say, the most envied position in
court, which takes precedence over the marshals of France, and justly,
for who says captain of the musketeers says the flower of chivalry and
king of the brave."

"Captain, monsieur!" interrupted the king, "you make a mistake.
Lieutenant, yo