“That is impossible, monsieur,” said Blaisois; “you would have to wait too long.”
“Will he not come back to-day, then?”
“No, nor to-morrow, nor the day after to-morrow. Monsieur le comte has gone on a journey.”
“A journey!” said D’Artagnan, surprised; “that’s a fable, Master Blaisois.”
“Monsieur, it is no more than the truth. Monsieur has done me the honor to give me the house in charge; and he added, with his voice so full of authority and kindness—that is all one to me: ‘You will say I have gone to Paris.’”
“Well!” cried D’Artagnan, “since he is gone towards Paris, that is all I wanted to know! you should have told me so at first, booby! He is then two hours in advance?”
“Yes, monsieur.”
“I shall soon overtake him. Is he alone?”
“No, monsieur.”
“Who is with him, then?”