Monsieur," said Eaoul, mastering his emotion, " I am
only acquainted with my father's name ; but I know too
well that the Comte de la Fere is an upright and honor-
able man to fear for a single moment that there is, as you
seem to say, any stain upon my birth. My ignorance,
therefore, of my mother's name is merely a misfortune for
me, and not a reproach. You are deficient in loyalty of
conduct, Monsieur ; you are wanting in courtesy, in re-
proaching me with a misfortune. No matter ; the insult
is given, and this time I hold myself insulted. It is quite
understood, then, that after you shall have received satis-
faction from M. d'Artagnan, you will settle your quarrel
with me."

" I admire your prudence, Monsieur," replied De
Wardes, with a bitter smile ; " a little while ago you
promised me a sword-thrust from M. d'Artagnan, and



FROM HAVRE TO PARIS. 373

now you ofFer me one from yourself, after I shall have
received his."

" Do not disturb yourself," replied Raoul, with concen-
trated anger ; " in matters of fence M. d'Artagnan is ex-
ceedingly skilful, and I will beg him as a favor to treat
you as he did your father, — in other words, not to put
an end to ybur life, but to leave me the pleasure, after
your recovery, of killing you outright ; for you have a
wicked heart, M. de Wardes, and in very truth, too many
precautions cannot be taken against yon."

" I shall take my precautions against you. Monsieur,"
said De Wardes ; " be assured of it."

" Allow me, Monsieur," said Buckingham, " to trans-
late your remark by a piece of advice I am about to give
M. de Bragelonne : M. de Bragelonne, wear a cuirass."

De Wardes clenched his hands. " Ah ! I understand,"
said he, " you two gentlemen intend to wait until you
have taken that precaution before you measure your
swords against mine."

"Very well, Monsieur," said Raoul, "since you posi-
tively will have it so, let us settle the affair now ; '' and
drawing his sword, he advanced towards De Wardes.
