is suspected."

"That house is suspected, Treville," said the king; "perhaps you did not
know it?"

"Indeed, sire, I did not. The house may be suspected; but I deny that
it is so in the part of it inhabited my Monsieur d'Artagnan, for I can
affirm, sire, if I can believe what he says, that there does not exist
a more devoted servant of your Majesty, or a more profound admirer of
Monsieur the Cardinal."

"Was it not this d'Artagnan who wounded Jussac one day, in that
unfortunate encounter which took place near the Convent of the
Carmes-Dechausses?" asked the king, looking at the cardinal, who colored
with vexation.

"And the next day, Bernajoux. Yes, sire, yes, it is the same; and your
Majesty has a good memory."

"Come, how shall we decide?" said the king.

"That concerns your Majesty more than me," said the cardinal. "I should
affirm the culpability."

"And I deny it," said Treville. "But his Majesty has judges, and these
judges will decide."

"That is best," said the king. "Send the case before the judges; it is
their business to judge, and they shall judge."

"Only," replied Treville, "it is a sad thing that in the unfortunate
times in which we live, the purest life, the most incontestable virtue,
cannot exempt a man from infamy and persecution. The army, I will
answer for it, will be but little pleased at being exposed to rigorous
treatment on account of police affairs."

The expression was imprudent; but M. de Treville launched it with
knowledge of his cause. He was desirous of an explosion, because in that
case the mine throws forth fire, and fire enlightens.

"Police affairs!" cried the king, taking up Treville's words, "police
affairs! And what do you know about them, Monsieur? Meddle with your
Musketeers, and do not annoy me in this way. It appears, according to
your account, that if by mischance a Musketeer is arrested, France is
in danger. What a noise about a Musketeer! I would arrest ten of them,
VENTREBLEU, a hundred, even, all the company, and I would not allow a
whisper."

"From the moment they are suspected by your Majesty," said Treville,
"the Musketeers are guilty; therefore, you see me prepared to surrender
my sword--for after having accused my soldiers, there can be no doubt
that Monsieur the Cardinal will end by accusing me. It is best to
constitute myself at once a prisoner with Athos, who is already
arrested, and with d'Artagnan, who most probably will be."

"Gascon-headed man,