MUSKETEERS AND GUARDS. introduced by
my
father,
who has
63
the honour to claim his
friendship."
" So M. Athos mused for an instant, and then said " de Treville is your only acquaintance ? " Yes, sir, I know no one but him." "Oh, then," continued Athos sotto voce, "if I should :
kill
"
you,
I
Not
shall acquire the reputation of a child-eater."
entirely
bow which was since you do me
me
so, sir," answered d'Artagnan, with a not devoid of dignity , " not quite so the honour to draw your sword against :
whilst suffering from a
wound which must occasion
you great inconvenience." " Inconvenience Upon my honour I assure you that you hurt me confoundedly. But I will use my left hand, Yet do not as I usually do under such circumstances. imagine that by this means I do you a favour, as I fight !
Indeed, it will rather be a equally well with either hand. disadvantage to you, a left-handed man being a very trying opponent to one who is not used to it. I regret, apprise you sooner of this therefore, that I did not circumstance." " Really, sir," said d'Artagnan, again bowing, " you are so very courteous that I cannot be sufficiently grateful." " You overwhelm me," replied Athos, with the air of a " if it be not disagreeable to you, pray let well-bred man Ah how you did us converse upon some other subject. how my shoulder -still burns " hurt me ? " " Would you permit me said d'Artagnan, ;
1
!
!
somewhat
timidly.
"To
do what, sir?" inquired Athos. " I have a salve which is quite a panacea for wounds a salve which my mother gave me, and which I have tried upon myself with success." " And what of it ? " continued Athos. " Why, sir, I am certain that in less than three days this salve would cure you and at the end of that time, when your cure is completed, it would be a great honour ;
for
me
to cross swords with you."