Alexandre Dumas

Ten Years Later Alexandre Dumas

"Ah! I understand all. Your majesty did not trust to me alone, but sent some otherperson," said he in a reproachful tone."Of what importance is the manner, monsieur, in which I have learnt what I know, sothat I know it?""Sire, sire," said the musketeer, without seeking even to conceal his dissatisfaction;"but I must be permitted to say to your majesty, that it is not worth while to make me usesuch speed, to risk twenty times the breaking of my neck, to salute me on my arrival withsuch intelligence. Sire, when people are not trusted, or are deemed insufficient, they shouldscarcely be employed." And D'Artagnan, with a movement perfectly military, stamped withhis foot, and left upon the floor dust stained with blood. The king looked at him, inwardlyenjoying his first triumph."Monsieur," said he, at the expiration of a minute, "not only is Belle-Isle known to me, but, still further, Belle-Isle is mine.""That is well! that is well, sire, I ask but one thing more," replied D'Artagnan.-"Mydischarge.""What! your discharge?""Without doubt I am too proud to eat the bread of the king without earning it, orrather by gaining it badly.-My discharge, sire!""Oh, oh!""I ask for my discharge, or I will take it.""You are angry, monsieur?