about ten o'clock
He performed these various operations with so much mystery , activity , and generosity , that never was Fouquet , then laboring under an access of fever , more near being saved , except for the co-operation of that immense disturber of human projects -- chance . A report was spread during the night that the king was coming in great haste upon post-horses , and that he would arrive within ten or twelve hours at latest . The people , while waiting for the king , were greatly rejoiced to see the musketeers , freshly arrived with M. d'Artagnan , their captain , and quartered in the castle , of which they occupied all the posts , in quality of guard of honor . M. d'Artagnan , who was very polite , presented himself about ten o'clock at the lodgings of the surintendant , to pay his respectful compliments to him ; and although the minister suffered from fever , although he was in such pain as to be bathed in sweat , he would receive M. d'Artagnan , who was delighted with that honor , as will be seen by the conversation they had together . Fouquet was gone to bed , like a man who clings to life , and who economizes as much as possible that slender tissue of existence of which the shocks and angles of this world so quickly wear out the irreparable tenuity . D'Artagnan appeared at the door of this chamber , and was saluted by the surintendant with a very affable `` good day . '' `` Bon jour !