Page:Louise de la Valliere text.djvu/443

Rh LOUISE DE LA VALLIERB. 433 Accordingly, they hastened toward the fortress, wnen one of these chances which Heaven bestows on men of strong will caused Grimaud suddenly to perceive the carriage, which was entering by the great gate of the drawbridge. This was the moment that D'Artagnan was, as we have seen, returning from his visit to the king. In vain was it that Raoul urged on his horse in order to join the carriage, and to see whom it contained. The horses had already gained the other side of the great gate, which again closed, while one of the sentries struck the nose of RaouFs horse with his musket. Eaoul turned about, only too happy to find he had ascertained something respecting the carriage which had contained his father. "We have him," said Grimaud. "If we wait a little, it is certain he will leave. Don't you think so, my friend?" "Unless, indeed, D'Artagnan also be a prisoner," replied Porthos; "in which case everything is lost." Kaoul returned no answer, for any hypothesis was admis- sible. He instructed Grimaud to lead the horses to the little Street Jean Beausire, so as to give rise to less sus- picion, and himself, with his piercing gaze, watched for the exit either of D'Artagnan or the carriage. Nor had he decided wrongly; for twenty minutes had not elapsed be- fore the gate reopened and the carriage reappeared. A daz- zling of the eyes prevented Raoul from distinguishing what figures occupied the interior. Grimaud averred that he had seen two persons, and that one of them was his master. Porthos kept looking at Raoul and Grimaud by turns, in the hope of understanding their idea. "It is clear," said Grimaud, "that if the comte is in the carriage, either he is set at liberty or they are taking him to another prison." "We shall soon see that by the road he takes," answered Porthos. "If he is set at liberty," said Grimaud, "they will con- duct him home." "True," rejoined Porthos. "The carriage does not take that way," cried Raoul; and indeed the horses were just disappearing down the Faubourg St. Antoine. "Let us hasten," said Porthos; "we will attack the car- riage on the road and tell Athos to flee." "Rebellion!" murmured Raoul. Porthos darted a second glance at Eaoul, quite worthy S Dumas— Vol XVI.