and himself, to evoke the remembrance of that terrible adventure. Almost at the same moment an officer entered and placed a dispatch in the hands of the king, who, in his turn, changed color, while reading it.

“Monsieur,” said he, “what I learn here you would know later; it is better I should tell you, and that you should learn it from the mouth of your king. A battle has taken place at Belle-Isle.”

“Is it possible?” said D’Artagnan, with a calm air, though his heart was beating fast enough to choke him.

“Well, sire?”

“Well, monsieur — and I have lost a hundred and ten men.”

A beam of joy and pride shone in the eyes of D’Artagnan.