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The Three Musketeers Novel Chapters
List of most recent chapters published for the The Three Musketeers novel. A total of 170 chapters have been translated and the release date of the last chapter is Apr 02, 2024
Latest Release: Chapter 1 : THE THREE MUSKETEERS.by Alexandre Dumas, Pere.AUTHOR'S PREFACE In which it is prove
THE THREE MUSKETEERS.by Alexandre Dumas, Pere.AUTHOR'S PREFACE In which it is proved that, notwithstanding their names' ending in OS and IS, the heroes of the story which we are about to have the honor to relate to our readers have nothing mythological
- 1 THE THREE MUSKETEERS.by Alexandre Dumas, Pere.AUTHOR'S PREFACE In which it is proved that, notwithstanding their names' ending in OS and IS, the heroes of the story which we are about to have the honor to relate to our readers have nothing mythological
- 2 "You are right," cried the gentleman; "begone then, on your part, and I will depart as quickly on mine." And bowing to the lady, sprang into his saddle, while her coachman applied his whip vigorously to his horses.The two interlocutors thus separated,
- 3 Louis XIV absorbed all the smaller stars of his court in his own vast radiance; but his father, a sun PLURIBUS IMPAR, left his personal splendor to each of his favorites, his individual value to each of his courtiers. In addition to the leeves of the king
- 4 "Aramis, my good friend, this time you are wrong," interrupted Porthos."Your wit is always leading you beyond bounds; if Monsieur de Treville heard you, you would repent of speaking thus.""Are you going to give me a lesson, Porthos?" cried Aramis, f
- 5 An instant after, Porthos and Aramis re-entered, the surgeon and M. de Treville alone remaining with the wounded.At length, M. de Treville himself returned. The injured man had recovered his senses. The surgeon declared that the situation of the Musketeer
- 6 "That is to say," replied d'Artagnan, "that you will wait until I have proved myself worthy of it. Well, be a.s.sured," added he, with the familiarity of a Gascon, "you shall not wait long." And he bowed in order to retire, and as if he considered
- 7 The outlook was sad. Sure of being killed by Athos, it may easily be understood that the young man was not very uneasy about Porthos. As hope, however, is the last thing extinguished in the heart of man, he finished by hoping that he might survive, even t
- 8 "Yes, monsieur, I know only him.""Well, but then," continued Athos, speaking half to himself, "if I kill you, I shall have the air of a boy-slayer.""Not too much so," replied d'Artagnan, with a bow that was not deficient in dignity, "since you d
- 9 It was a quarter past midday. The sun was in its zenith, and the spot chosen for the scene of the duel was exposed to its full ardor."It is very hot," said Athos, drawing his sword in its turn, "and yet I cannot take off my doublet; for I just now felt
- 10 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 eviden
- 11 "That is true, sire; there can be no more doubt on that head. They called upon him then to retire; but he answered that he was a Musketeer at heart, entirely devoted to your Majesty, and that therefore he would remain with Messieurs the Musketeers.""Br
- 12 "In all probability he has," replied the valet, "for I saw the horses harnessed to his Eminence's carriage this morning, and when I asked where he was going, they told me, 'To St. Germain.'""He is beforehand with us," said M. de Treville. "Gentl
- 13 "What do you mean by that, monsieur?""That it is only the Pope who is infallible, and that this infallibility does not extend to cardinals.""You mean to say that he deceives me; you mean to say that he betrays me? You accuse him, then? Come, speak; a
- 14 "Without reckoning," said Athos, "that if he had not rescued me from the hands of Cahusac, I should not now have the honor of making my very humble reverence to your Majesty.""Why he is a very devil, this Bearnais! VENTRE-SAINT-GRIS, Monsieur de Trev
- 15 Porthos had his fits. On the days when he won he was insolent and ostentatious; if he lost, he disappeared completely for several days, after which he reappeared with a pale face and thinner person, but with money in his purse.As to Aramis, he never playe
- 16 "Still higher.""Of Madame de Chevreuse?""Of the--" d'Artagnan checked himself."Yes, monsieur," replied the terrified citizen, in a tone so low that he was scarcely audible."And with whom?""With whom can it be, if not the Duke of--""The Duke
- 17 "You always come back to that; but I must make you see this time that it is too late to retreat.""I do not retreat, MORDIEU!" cried the citizen, swearing in order to rouse his courage. "Besides, by the faith of Bonacieux--""You call yourself Bonaci
- 18 "Well!" cried the three Musketeers all together, on seeing d'Artagnan enter with his brow covered with perspiration and his countenance upset with anger."Well!" cried he, throwing his sword upon the bed, "this man must be the devil in person; he has
- 19 "We believe like Mohammedans, and are as mute as tombstones," said Athos."I will continue, then," resumed Aramis. "This niece comes sometimes to see her uncle; and by chance was there yesterday at the same time that I was, and it was my duty to offer
- 20 "Then to yours, monsieur--what is your name?""Boisrenard.""Monsieur Boisrenard.""To yours, my gentlemen! What is your name, in your turn, if you please?""d'Artagnan.""To yours, monsieur.""And above all others," cried d'Artagnan, as if carr
- 21 He then went straight to the door and knocked, murmuring, "I will go myself and be caught in the mousetrap, but woe be to the cats that shall pounce upon such a mouse!"The knocker had scarcely sounded under the hand of the young man before the tumult ce
- 22 "By my honor, by the faith of a gentleman!" said d'Artagnan, with an accent so truthful that no one could mistake it."Then I believe you. You appear to be a brave young man; besides, your fortune may perhaps be the result of your devotedness.""I wil
- 23 de Treville was the more the dupe, from having himself, as we have said, observed something fresh between the cardinal, the king, and the queen.As ten o'clock was striking, d'Artagnan left M. de Treville, who thanked him for his information, recommended
- 24 "Yes, it is I," said dArtagnan, "it is I, whom G.o.d has sent to watch over you." "Was it with that intention you followed me?" asked the young woman, with a coquettish smile, whose somewhat bantering character resumed its influence, and with whom a
- 25 "Well, madame, I perceive I must do as you wish.""Why did you deprive yourself of the merit of doing so at once?""Is there no merit in repentance?""And do you really repent?""I know nothing about it myself. But what I know is that I promise to do
- 26 "Ah, I was quite sure you were a good and brave young man," said Mme.Bonacieux, holding out her hand to him, and placing the other upon the knocker of a little door almost hidden in the wall.D'Artagnan seized the hand held out to him, and kissed it ard
- 27 It was necessary to reach M. de Treville; it was important that he should be informed of what was pa.s.sing. D'Artagnan resolved to try and enter the Louvre. His costume of Guardsman in the company of M.Dessessart ought to be his pa.s.sport.He therefore
- 28 Her mouth was small and rosy; and although her underlip, like that of all princes of the House of Austria, protruded slightly beyond the other, it was eminently lovely in its smile, but as profoundly disdainful in its contempt.Her skin was admired for its
- 29 Buckingham took the casket, and fell a second time on his knees."You have promised me to go," said the queen."And I keep my word. Your hand, madame, your hand, and I depart!"Anne of Austria stretched forth her hand, closing her eyes, and leaning with
- 30 "Where must we place him?" demanded the chief."In a dungeon.""Which?""Good Lord! In the first one handy, provided it is safe," said the commissary, with an indifference which penetrated poor Bonacieux with horror."Alas, alas!" said he to himself
- 31 At this moment the door was opened quickly, and a messenger, introduced by one of the gatekeepers of the Bastille, gave a letter to the commissary."Oh, unhappy woman!" cried the commissary."How? What do you say? Of whom do you speak? It is not of my wi
- 32 "You are accused of high treason," said the cardinal, slowly."So I have been told already, monseigneur," cried Bonacieux, giving his interrogator the t.i.tle he had heard the officer give him, "but I swear to you that I know nothing about it."The ca
- 33 The officer sprang out of the apartment with that alacrity which all the servants of the cardinal displayed in obeying him."To your Eminence!" murmured Bonacieux, rolling his eyes round in astonishment.Five seconds has scarcely elapsed after the disappe
- 34 "Madame de Lannoy, then, is of opinion that she gave them to Buckingham?""She is sure of it.""How can she be so?""In the course of the day Madame de Lannoy, in her quality of tire-woman of the queen, looked for this casket, appeared uneasy at not f
- 35 "I have done with him all that could be done. I have made him a spy upon his wife."The Comte de Rochefort bowed like a man who acknowledges the superiority of the master as great, and retired.Left alone, the cardinal seated himself again and wrote a let
- 36 "I mean a young man whom you patronize, Monsieur de Treville.""Yes, your Eminence, it is the same.""Do you not suspect this young man of having given bad counsel?""To Athos, to a man double his age?" interrupted Treville. "No, monseigneur. Beside
- 37 As to the rest, M. de Treville had good reason to mistrust the cardinal and to think that all was not over, for scarcely had the captain of the Musketeers closed the door after him, than his Eminence said to the king, "Now that we are at length by oursel
- 38 "My orders?""Yes, if she is ignorant that these orders come from the king.""Well, that she may have no doubt on that head, I will go and inform her myself.""Your Majesty will not forget that I have done everything in my power to prevent a rupture.
- 39 Anne of Austria took one step backward, became so pale that it might be said she was dying, and leaning with her left hand upon a table behind her to keep herself from falling, she with her right hand drew the paper from her bosom and held it out to the k
- 40 "You hear, madame," said the king, who enjoyed the embarra.s.sment to its full extent, but without guessing the cause. "You hear, madame?""Yes, sire, I hear," stammered the queen."You will appear at this ball?""Yes.""With those studs?""Yes."
- 41 "Do not exaggerate the service I have the happiness to render your Majesty. I have nothing to save for your Majesty; you are only the victim of perfidious plots.""That is true, that is true, my child," said the queen, "you are right.""Give me then,
- 42 "It is indeed.""What must be done?""You must go away immediately. I will give you a paper which you must not part with on any account, and which you will deliver into the proper hands.""And whither am I to go?""To London.""I go to London? Go to
- 43 "What matters it, if you avoid them?""Hold, Madame Bonacieux," said the mercer, "hold! I positively refuse; intrigues terrify me. I have seen the Bastille. My! Whew! That's a frightful place, that Bastille! Only to think of it makes my flesh crawl.
- 44 "Well, reveal your secret to him, and ask him whether, however important, however valuable, however terrible it may be, you may not confide it to me.""But this secret is not mine, and I cannot reveal it in this manner.""You were about to confide it t
- 45 D'Artagnan drew back the bolt with precaution, and both, light as shadows, glided through the interior door into the pa.s.sage, ascended the stairs as quietly as possible, and entered d'Artagnan's chambers.Once there, for greater security, the young ma
- 46 "Did he tell you so?""Yes, I know that he meant to afford you that agreeable surprise.""Be satisfied," replied Bonacieux; "my wife adores me, and there is yet time.""The ninny!" murmured Mme. Bonacieux."Silence!" said d'Artagnan, pressing her
- 47 "The cardinal, I believe, would give the world to prevent my success.""And you are going alone?""I am going alone.""In that case you will not get beyond Bondy. I tell you so, by the faith of de Treville.""How so?""You will be a.s.sa.s.sinated.
- 48 "Because she was in fear of being arrested.""Why has she not written to me, then?""Because she was afraid of compromising you.""d'Artagnan, you restore me to life!" cried Aramis. "I fancied myself despised, betrayed. I was so delighted to see he
- 49 "d'Artagnan is right," said Athos; "here are our three leaves of absence which came from Monsieur de Treville, and here are three hundred pistoles which came from I don't know where. So let us go and get killed where we are told to go. Is life worth
- 50 The travelers had chosen crossroads in the hope that they might meet with less interruption; but at Crevecoeur, Aramis declared he could proceed no farther. In fact, it required all the courage which he concealed beneath his elegant form and polished mann
- 51 "But this is a needless quarrel you seek with me, as it seems to me.""PARBLEU! What do you desire it to be?""What do you want?""Would you like to know?""Certainly.""Well, then, I wish that order of which you are bearer, seeing that I have not o
- 52 "I will not fail."Delighted with this a.s.surance the governor countersigned the pa.s.sport and delivered it to d'Artagnan. D'Artagnan lost no time in useless compliments. He thanked the governor, bowed, and departed. Once outside, he and Planchet set
- 53 "Wait, wait!" said the duke. "The only time I have worn these studs was at a ball given by the king eight days ago at Windsor. The Comtesse de Winter, with whom I had quarreled, became reconciled to me at that ball.That reconciliation was nothing but t
- 54 "You have said, my Lord; for truly, at this moment when there is question of war, I confess to you that I see nothing in your Grace but an Englishman, and consequently an enemy whom I should have much greater pleasure in meeting on the field of battle th
- 55 At three o'clock came two companies of the Guards, one French, the other Swiss. The company of French guards was composed of half of M.Duhallier's men and half of M. Dessessart's men.At six in the evening the guests began to come. As fast as they enter
- 56 "Silence!" said the young woman, placing her hand upon his lips; "silence, and go the same way you came!""But where and when shall I see you again?" cried d'Artagnan."A note which you will find at home will tell you. Begone, begone!"At these word
- 57 Besides, how is it possible to avoid a little condescension toward a husband whose pretty wife has appointed a meeting with you that same evening at St. Cloud, opposite D'Estrees's pavilion? D'Artagnan approached him with the most amiable air he could
- 58 "Listen," said M. de Treville; "shall I give you counsel, good counsel, the counsel of a friend?""You will do me honor, monsieur," said d'Artagnan."Well, then, off to the nearest goldsmith's, and sell that diamond for the highest price you can ge
- 59 "Why so, Planchet?" asked the young man."Do you place confidence in our landlord--Monsieur Bonacieux?""I? Not the least in the world.""Oh, you do quite right, monsieur.""But why this question?""Because, while you were talking with him, I watche
- 60 "Well, if you are cold, Planchet, you can go into one of those cabarets that you see yonder, and be in waiting for me at the door by six o'clock in the morning.""Monsieur, I have eaten and drunk respectfully the crown you gave me this morning, so that
- 61 "A tall, dark man, with black mustaches, dark eyes, and the air of a gentleman.""That's the man!" cried d'Artagnan, "again he, forever he! He is my demon, apparently. And the other?""Which?""The short one.""Oh, he was not a gentleman, I'll a
- 62 "In person.""The captain of the cardinal's Guards?""Himself.""Did he come to arrest me?""I have no doubt that he did, monsieur, for all his wheedling manner.""Was he so sweet, then?""Indeed, he was all honey, monsieur.""Indeed!""He came,
- 63 "He has done us the honor to remain here.""What, he had done you the honor to remain here?""Yes, monsieur, in this house; and we are even a little uneasy--""On what account?""Of certain expenses he has contracted.""Well, but whatever expenses h
- 64 "Well?""Monsieur Porthos gave us a note for his d.u.c.h.ess, ordering us to put it in the post. This was before his servant came. As he could not leave his chamber, it was necessary to charge us with this commission.""And then?""Instead of putting
- 65 At the sight of his friend, Porthos uttered a loud cry of joy; and Mousqueton, rising respectfully, yielded his place to him, and went to give an eye to the two stewpans, of which he appeared to have the particular inspection."Ah, PARDIEU! Is that you?"
- 66 "Patience, monsieur, everything will come in its turn.""This Spaniard had in his service a lackey who had accompanied him in his voyage to Mexico. This lackey was my compatriot; and we became the more intimate from there being many resemblances of char
- 67 "Ah, he'll come round," thought d'Artagnan; "that's not bad!""This gentleman, who is my friend, has just escaped from a serious danger," continued Aramis, with unction, pointing to d'Artagnan with his hand, and addressing the two ecclesiastics.
- 68 The Jesuit and the curate quite started from their chairs."This is the point of departure; it is a syllogism. The world is not wanting in attractions. I quit the world; then I make a sacrifice. Now, the Scripture says positively, 'Make a sacrifice unto
- 69 "Do not jest about holy things, my friend.""Go on, then, I listen.""I had been at the seminary from nine years old; in three days I should have been twenty. I was about to become an abbe, and all was arranged.One evening I went, according to custom,
- 70 "Be off, you wretch!" cried Aramis, throwing his skullcap in his face."Return whence you came; take back those horrible vegetables, and that poor kickshaw! Order a larded hare, a fat capon, mutton leg dressed with garlic, and four bottles of old Burgun
- 71 "Oh, make yourself easy on that head," replied Aramis. "You will find me ready to follow you."They took leave of each other, and in ten minutes, after having commended his friend to the cares of the hostess and Bazin, d'Artagnan w
- 72 "But where is Athos now?" cried d'Artagnan. "Where is Athos?""In the cellar, monsieur.""What, you scoundrel! Have you kept him in the cellar all this time?""Merciful heaven! No, monsieur! We keep him in th
- 73 In the meantime the host and his wife hurried down with lamps into the cellar, which had so long been interdicted to them and where a frightful spectacle awaited them.Beyond the fortifications through which Athos had made a breach in order to get out, and
- 74 "Presently," said d'Artagnan."Presently! And why presently? Because you think I am drunk? d'Artagnan, remember this! My ideas are never so clear as when I have had plenty of wine. Speak, then, I am all ears."D'Artagnan r
- 75 "Her brother?" replied Athos."Yes, the priest.""Oh, I inquired after him for the purpose of hanging him likewise; but he was beforehand with me, he had quit the curacy the night before.""Was it ever known who this misera
- 76 "And the consequence?" said d'Artagnan, in great anxiety."I threw, and I lost.""What, my horse?""Your horse, seven against eight; a point short--you know the proverb.""Athos, you are not in your right sens
- 77 "Decidedly, my dear Athos," said d'Artagnan, "I should like better not to risk anything.""That's a pity," said Athos, coolly. "The Englishman is overflowing with pistoles. Good Lord, try one throw! One throw is
- 78 "My dear d'Artagnan," said Aramis, "don't be too angry with me, I beg.Necessity has no law; besides, I am the person punished, as that rascally horsedealer has robbed me of fifty louis, at least. Ah, you fellows are good managers!
- 79 "PARDIEU!" "Ah, that is true. I recollect.""Then I paid the host six.""What a brute of a host! Why did you give him six pistoles?""You told me to give them to him.""It is true; I am too good-natured.
- 80 Porthos, seeing this, retwisted his mustache, elongated his imperial a second time, and began to make signals to a beautiful lady who was near the choir, and who not only was a beautiful lady, but still further, no doubt, a great lady--for she had behind
- 81 "And that is the only reply you make? Alas, I understand.""Think of the offense you have committed toward me, madame! It remains HERE!" said Porthos, placing his hand on his heart, and pressing it strongly."I will repair it, indee
- 82 "Handsome, well-bred, n.o.ble lord as you are, my dear Athos, neither princesses nor queens would be secure from your amorous solicitations.""How young this d'Artagnan is!" said Athos, shrugging his shoulders; and he made a sign t
- 83 At the first word Milady turned, looking at the young man with astonishment; and when he had finished, she said in very good French, "Monsieur, I should with great confidence place myself under your protection if the person with whom I quarrel were n
- 84 "Yes, monsieur," said the Englishman, bowing."Well! now shall I tell you something?" added Athos, coolly."What?" replied the Englishman."Why, that is that you would have acted much more wisely if you had not required me
- 85 "She has the most beautiful light hair imaginable!""Ah, my poor d'Artagnan!" said Athos."Listen to me! I want to be enlightened on a subject; then, when I shall have learned what I desire to know, I will withdraw.""
- 86 The cousin was received with resignation, that was all. M. Coquenard, firm upon his legs, would have declined all relations.h.i.+p with M.Porthos."Yes, monsieur, we are cousins," said Porthos, without being disconcerted, as he had never reckoned
- 87 M Coquenard, after the luxuries of such a repast, which he called an excess, felt the want of a siesta. Porthos began to hope that the thing would take place at the present sitting, and in that same locality; but the procurator would listen to nothing, he
- 88 "Where you please, my dear child.""Come, then."And Kitty, who had not let go the hand of d'Artagnan, led him up a little dark, winding staircase, and after ascending about fifteen steps, opened a door."Come in here, Monsieur
- 89 "I? In what can I have offended her--I who ever since I have known her have lived at her feet like a slave? Speak, I beg you!""I will never confess that but to the man--who should read to the bottom of my soul!"D'Artagnan looked a
- 90 "Or, at least, I will go--later."He drew Kitty to him. She had the less motive to resist, resistance would make so much noise. Therefore Kitty surrendered.It was a movement of vengeance upon Milady. D'Artagnan believed it right to say that
- 91 At the end of a moment's conversation, in which Porthos hinted that a lady of elevated rank had condescended to relieve him from his embarra.s.sment, Mousqueton entered. He came to request his master to return to his lodgings, where his presence was
- 92 "Ah, indeed," said d'Artagnan. "Well, your publisher is very generous, my dear Aramis, that's all I can say.""How, monsieur?" cried Bazin, "a poem sell so dear as that! It is incredible! Oh, monsieur, you can w
- 93 "We shall see," said Porthos, majestically; and the two separated saying, "Till this evening.""The devil!" thought Porthos, as he walked away, "it appears I am getting nearer to Monsieur Coquenard's strongbox at las
- 94 Athos examined it and became very pale. He tried it on his left hand; it fit his finger as if made for it.A shade of anger and vengeance pa.s.sed across the usually calm brow of this gentleman."It is impossible it can be she," said he. "How
- 95 "Show him in," said Milady, in a quick tone, but so piercing that d'Artagnan heard her in the antechamber.He was introduced."I am at home to n.o.body," said Milady; "observe, to n.o.body." The servant went out.D'Art
- 96 And he drew nearer to her.She scarcely resisted."Interested man!" cried she, smiling."Ah," cried d'Artagnan, really carried away by the pa.s.sion this woman had the power to kindle in his heart, "ah, that is because my happin
- 97 "Fortune is a courtesan; favorable yesterday, she may turn her back tomorrow.""Which means that you now hesitate?""No, I do not hesitate; G.o.d forbid! But would it be just to allow me to go to a possible death without having give
- 98 Milady looked at her lover in silence. The pale light of the first rays of day gave to her clear eyes a strangely frightful expression."Really," said she, "I believe you now begin to hesitate.""No, I do not hesitate; but I really
- 99 "But you can't go out so," said Kitty; "you are naked.""That's true," said d'Artagnan, then first thinking of the costume he found himself in, "that's true. But dress me as well as you are able, only
- 100 "She will not dare to say anything; that would be to denounce herself.""She is capable of anything or everything. Did you ever see her furious?""No," said Athos."A tigress, a panther! Ah, my dear Athos, I am greatly afra