Part 22 (1/2)
”By my honor, by the faith of a gentleman!” said d'Artagnan, with an accent so truthful that no one could mistake it.
”Then I believe you. You appear to be a brave young man; besides, your fortune may perhaps be the result of your devotedness.”
”I will do, without a promise and voluntarily, all that I can do to serve the king and be agreeable to the queen. Dispose of me, then, as a friend.”
”But I--where shall I go meanwhile?”
”Is there n.o.body from whose house Monsieur Laporte can come and fetch you?”
”No, I can trust n.o.body.”
”Stop,” said d'Artagnan; ”we are near Athos's door. Yes, here it is.”
”Who is this Athos?”
”One of my friends.”
”But if he should be at home and see me?”
”He is not at home, and I will carry away the key, after having placed you in his apartment.”
”But if he should return?”
”Oh, he won't return; and if he should, he will be told that I have brought a woman with me, and that woman is in his apartment.”
”But that will compromise me sadly, you know.”
”Of what consequence? n.o.body knows you. Besides, we are in a situation to overlook ceremony.”
”Come, then, let us go to your friend's house. Where does he live?”
”Rue Ferou, two steps from here.”
”Let us go!”
Both resumed their way. As d'Artagnan had foreseen, Athos was not within. He took the key, which was customarily given him as one of the family, ascended the stairs, and introduced Mme. Bonacieux into the little apartment of which we have given a description.
”You are at home,” said he. ”Remain here, fasten the door inside, and open it to n.o.body unless you hear three taps like this;” and he tapped thrice--two taps close together and pretty hard, the other after an interval, and lighter.
”That is well,” said Mme. Bonacieux. ”Now, in my turn, let me give you my instructions.”
”I am all attention.”
”Present yourself at the wicket of the Louvre, on the side of the Rue de l'Ech.e.l.le, and ask for Germain.”
”Well, and then?”
”He will ask you what you want, and you will answer by these two words, 'Tours' and 'Bruxelles.' He will at once put himself at your orders.”
”And what shall I command him?”