"SUCH A NATURE,
TICKLED WITH GOOD SUCCESS, DISDAINS THE SHADOW
WHICH HE TREADS ON AT NOON."—Coriolanus, Act I., Sc. 1.
DUMAS UP TO ARMY ESTIMATES' DATE.
PART I.—The Three Volunteers.
LIEUTENANT PORTHOS, Captain ATHOS, and Major ARAMIS were delighted with the progress discernible in every detail of the battalion to which it was their honour to belong. Not a man that did not appear on parade conscious of the fact that he had made himself proficient—the privates were contented, the non-commissioned officers happy. It was, indeed, a model Regiment. On the occasion of their inspection by Colonel D'ARTAGNAN, a man marched from the ranks, and demanded a hearing.
"And what do you want?" asked the inspecting officer.
"We wish the unjust to be made just," returned the discontented one. "We ask for a reform."