“We are for the king and the princes,” added Athos.
“We must understand each other,” said the duke. “The king is with us and his generals are the Duke of Orleans and the Prince de Condé, although I must add ’tis almost impossible now to know to which party any one belongs.”
“Yes,” answered Athos, “but his right place is in our ranks, with the Prince de Conti, De Beaufort, D’Elbeuf, and De Bouillon; but, sir, supposing that the conference is broken off—are you going to try to take Charenton?”
“Such are my orders.”
“Sir, since you command the cavalry——”
“Pardon me, I am commander-in-chief.”
“So much the better. You must know all your officers—I mean those more distinguished.”
“Why, yes, very nearly.”
“Will you then kindly tell me if you have in your command the Chevalier d’Artagnan, lieutenant in the musketeers?”
“No, sir, he is not with us; he left Paris more than six weeks ago and is believed to have gone on a mission to England.”