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Books
The Three Musketeers
Twenty Years Later
The Vicomte De Bragelonne
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The Three Musketeers 27 at Prostate Health
make at one blow an enemy of a minister more powerful than the
king himself. All this young man perceived, and yet, to his
praise we speak it, he did not hesitate a second. Turning
towards Athos and his friends, "Gentlemen," said he, "allow me to
correct your words, if you please. You said you were but three,
but it appears to me we are four."
"But you are not one of us," said Porthos.
"Thats true," replied dArtagnan; "I have not the uniform, but I
have the spirit. My heart is that of a Musketeer; I feel it,
monsieur, and that impels me on."
"Withdraw, young man," cried Jussac, who doubtless, by his
gestures and the expression of his countenance, had guessed
dArtagnans design. "You may retire; we consent to that. Save
your skin; begone quickly."
DArtagnan did not budge.
"Decidedly, you are a brave fellow," said Athos, pressing the
young mans hand.
"Come, come, choose your part," replied Jussac.
"Well," said Porthos to Aramis, "we must do something."
"Monsieur is full of generosity," said Athos.
But all three reflected upon the youth of dArtagnan, and dreaded
his inexperience.
"We should only be three, one of whom is wounded, with the
addition of a boy," resumed Athos; "and yet it will not be the
less said we were four men."
"Yes, but to yield!" said Porthos.
"That IS difficult," replied Athos.
DArtagnan comprehended their irresolution.
"Try me, gentlemen," said he, "and I swear to you by my honor
that I will not go hence if we are conquered."
"What is your name, my brave fellow?" said Athos.
"dArtagnan, monsieur."
"Well, then, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and dArtagnan, forward!"
cried Athos.
"Come, gentlemen, have you decided?" cried Jussac for the third
time.
"It is done, gentlemen," said Athos.
"And what is your choice?" asked Jussac.
"We are about to have the honor of charging you," replied Aramis,
lifting his hat with one hand and drawing his sword with the
other.
"Ah! You resist, do you?" cried Jussac.
"Sblood; does that astonish you?"
And the nine combatants rushed upon each other with a fury which
however did not exclude a certain degree of method.
Athos fixed upon a certain Cahusac, a favorite of the cardinals.
Porthos had Bicarat, and Aramis found himself opposed to two
adversaries. As to dArtagnan, he sprang toward Jussac himself.
The heart of the young Gascon beat as if it would burst through
his side--not from fear, God he thanked, he had not the shade of
it, but with emulation; he fought like a furious tiger, turning
ten times round his adversary, and changing his ground and his
guard twenty times. Jussac was, as was then said, a fine blade,
and had had much practice; nevertheless it required all his skill
to defend himself against an adversary who, active and energetic,
departed every instant from received rules, attacking him on all
sides at once, and yet parrying like a man who had the greatest
respect for his own epidermis.
This contest at length exhausted Jussacs patience. Furious at
being held in check by one whom he had considered a boy, he
became warm and began to make mistakes. DArtagnan, who though
wanting in practice had a sound theory, redoubled his agility.
Jussac, anxious to put an end to this, springing forward, aimed a
terrible thrust at his adversary, but the latter parried it; and
while Jussac was recovering himself, glided like a serpent
beneath his blade, and passed his sword through his body. Jussac
fell like a dead mass.
DArtagnan then cast an anxious and rapid glance over the field
of battle.
Aramis had killed one of his adversaries, but the other pressed
him warmly. Nevertheless, Aramis was in a good situation, and
able to defend himself.
Bicarat and Porthos had just made counterhits. Porthos had
received a thrust through his arm, and Bicarat one through his
thigh. But neither of these two wounds was serious, and they
only fought more earnestly.
Athos, wounded anew by Cahusac, became evidently paler, but did
not give way a foot. He only changed his sword hand, and fought
with his left hand.
According to the laws of dueling at that period, dArtagnan was
at liberty to assist whom he pleased. While he was endeavoring
to find out which of his companions stood in greatest need, he
caught a glance from Athos. The glance was of sublime eloquence.
Athos would have died rather than appeal for help; but he could
look, and with that look ask assistance. DArtagnan interpreted
it; with a terrible bound he sprang to the side
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