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Rh but I know too well that the Comte de la Fere is too upright and honorable a man to allow me to fear for a single moment that there is, as you seem to say, any stain upon my birth. My ignorance, therefore, of my mother's name is a misfortune for me, and not a reproach. You are deficient in loyalty of conduct; you are wanting in courtesy in reproaching me with misfortune. It matters little, however, the insult has been given, and I consider myself insulted accordingly. It is quite understood, then, that after you shall have received satisfaction from Monsieur d'Artagnan, you will settle your quarrel with me."

"I admire your prudence, monsieur," replied De Wardes, with a bitter smile; "a little while ago you promised me a sword-thrust from Monsieur d'Artagnan, and now, after I shall have received his, you offer me one from yourself."

"Do not disturb yourself," replied Raoul, with concentrated anger; "in all affairs of that nature Monsieur d'Artagnan is exceedingly skillful, and I will beg him as a favor to treat you as he did your father; in other words, to spare your life at least, so as to leave me the pleasure, after your recovery, of killing you outright; for you have a bad heart. Monsieur de Wardes, and in very truth, too many precautions cannot be taken against you."

"I shall take my precautions against you," said De Wardes; "be assured of it."

"Allow me, monsieur," said Buckingham, "to translate your remark by a piece of advice I am about to give Monsieur de Bragelonne; Monsieur de Bragelonne, wear a cuirass."

De Wardes clinched his hands.

"Ah!" said he, "you two gentlemen intend to wait until you have taken that precaution before you measure your swords against mine."

"Very well, monsieur," said Raoul, "since you positively will have it so; let us settle the affair now."

And drawing his sword, he advanced toward De Wardes.

"What are you going to do?" said Buckingham.

"Be easy," said Raoul; "it will not be very long."

De Wardes placed himself on his guard; their swords crossed. De Wardes flew upon Raoul with such impetuosity that at the first clashing of the steel blades Buckingham clearly saw that Raoul was only trifling with his adversary. Buckingham stepped aside, and watched the struggle. Raoul was as calm as if he were handling a foil, instead of a sword; having retreated a step, he parried three