"'So that, since that time....' said D'Artagnan, who could not help laughing at the pitiable countenance of the host.
"'Since that time, sir,' continued the latter, 'we lead the most wretched life imaginable; for you must know that all our provisions are in the cellar, our wine in bottle and our wine in cask, beer, oil, and spices, hams and sausages; and as we cannot get at them, we are unable to give food or drink to the travellers who alight here, and our inn is losing all its custom. If your friend stops one week longer in my cellar, I am a ruined man.'
"'And quite right that you should be, scoundrel! It was easy to see by our appearance, that we were men of quality and not coiners.'
"'Yes, sir, you are right,' replied poor Boniface. 'But only listen to him, he is getting into a passion.'
"'Doubtless somebody has disturbed him,' said D'Artagnan.
"'We are obliged to disturb him,' cried the host; 'two English gentlemen have just arrived. The English, as you know, love good wine, and these have asked for the best. My wife is gone to beg Monsieur Athos to let her in, and he has no doubt refused as usual. Holy Virgin! What a racket he is making.'
"D'Artagnan rose from his seat, and followed by the host and by Planchet with his cocked carbine, took the direction of the cellar, whence a tremendous noise was proceeding. The Englishmen were exasperated; they had just come off a long journey, and were dying of hunger and thirst.
"'It is perfect tyranny,' cried they in very good French, 'that this madman will not allow these good people the use of their wine. But we will break open the door, and if he is too furious, we will kill him.'
"'Not so fast, gentlemen,' said D'Artagnan, drawing his pistols from his belt. 'You will kill nobody, if you please.'
"'Let them come,' said Athos, in his usual calm voice, from the other side of the door, 'let them come in, and we shall see.'