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 ridiculous affection for my head, provided it remains tolerably firm on my shoulders, I wish, before parting with it, to kill you. But keep yourself quite easy on that score ; I will kill you very gently, in a retired and secret spot, where you may not be able to boast of your death to any one"

"I am quite agreeable," replied D'Artagnan, " but do not be too confident ; and here, take your handkerchief, whether it belongs to you or not ; probably you may have occasion for it."

"Spoken like a true Gascon, sir," said Aramis.

"Yes but that is no reason why you should postpone our little affair, unless, indeed, you are influenced by prudential motives."

"I well know that prudence, although indispensable to churchmen, is a virtue unknown to musketeers," replied Aramis, '"and being, as I have informed you, only a soldier for the nonce, I am resolved to remain prudent. At two o'clock I shall have the honor of awaiting you at M. de Treville's, where I will conduct you to a more convenient spot."

The two young men then bowed to each other and parted. Aramis proceeded toward the Luxembourg whilst D'Artagnan, finding that the hour approached, took the road to the Carmes-Deschaux, all the while inwardly ejaculating, "Positively, I cannot escape! but if I am killed, at all events it will be by a musketeer."

CHAPTER V.

THE KING'S MUSKETEERS AND THE CARDINAL'S GUARDS.

knew no one in Paris. He therefore went to meet Athos without being provided with a second, having made up his mind to be satisfied with those that accompanied his adversary. Besides, he fully intended