The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-05-25
THE THREE GUARDSMEN
Conunued.)

C0063nued.)
 At this speech of Aramis the brow of Athos became clouded, and he bit his lips
 "It is not Nine Bonacieux about whom am anxious" cried D'Arta- gnan. 4.but the queen, whom the king ahandons. whom the cardinar perse- cutes and who sees the heads of all her friends faii one after the other. If I knew where the Duke of Bucking ham VAS I would take him by the hand and conduct him to the queen were it only to enrage the cardinal"
 -sAnd did the mercer," rejoined Athos. ''tell you, D'Artagnan, that the queen thought that Buckingham had besn brought over by a forged letter?"
 'she is afraid so." . sGentlemen," cried Aramis, 'yester- day was at the house of g doctor of theology whom sometimes consult about my studies''
 Athos smiled.
 '.He resides in quiet quarter" con- timed Afamis. 'His tastes and his profession require it. Now, at the mo- ment that left his house..
 Here Aramis stopped.
 'Wen," cried his auditors; tat the moment you left his house?''
 sThiD doctor has a niece" continued Aramis. ''She comes sometimes to see her uncle, and by chance was there xesterday at the same time that was, and could do no less than offer to conduct her to her carriage"
 sOh. oh! Then this niece of the docs- tors keeps a carriage, does she?" in terrppted Porthos. one of whose faults was . great incontinence of tongue. ~Avefy nice acquaintapce. my friend!' sGentiemen, gentlemen." cried DAT t1gnan, who began to get a glimpse of the result of the adventure, .'the thing is serious; endeavor, then, not to joke, If possible. Go on, Aramis, go on."
 "An at once tall. dark gentleman 5ust like yours, D'Artagnan, came to- ward me, accompanied by i've or six men. who followed at about ten paces behind him, and in the politest tone Monsieur the Duke said he to me, and you, madame,' continued he, ad- dressing the lady who had hold of my arm, be 90 kind as to get into this car riage. and that without offering the slightest resistance or making the least noise.'"
 'sHs took you for Buckinghamy' cried D'Artagnan.
 sI believe so," replied Aramis.
 s.But the lady P asked Porthos.
 ssHe took her for the queen!' said D'Artagnan.
 'Just so,~ replied Aranis.
 '.The fact is, :" said Porthos,- "Aramis is of the same height and something of the shape of the duke, but it never theless appears to me tll9t the uniform of a muskGoDer"-
 'T wore . very large cloak" said Aramis.
 '.In the month of Julyr' said Por- thos. s1s the doctor afraid you should be Pecognised?
 ~I can comprehend that the spy may have been deceived by the person, but tAe facer-
 q had a very large hat on." said ARamis.
 ''Ohr cried Porthos. What precau- tons to study theologyr
 "0entlemen, gentlemen" said DAT taGnan, do not let us lose our time in testing; let us separate and let us seek the mercer's wife. That is the key of the intrigue"
 Well" said Porthos, fin the flrst place make bargain with the mercer. and good bargain too" That's useless" said D'Artagnan, ''for I believe if he does not pay us we shall be well enough paid by an- ether party"
 At this moment a sudden noise of footsteps was heard upon the stairs, the door was thrown violently open, and the unfortunate mercer rushed into the chamber in which the council vas held
 Save me. gentlemen, save mel" cried he. "There are four men come to arrest mew
 Poffhos and Aramis arose.
 "A moment!" cried D'Artagnan, making them a sign to replace their half drawn swords. ''On this occa- sion we don't require courage. We must exercise prudence
 At this moment the four guards ap- peared at the door of the antecham- Aas. but, seeing four musketeers stand 1nG and their swords by their sides. they hesitated to advance farther.
 @Gentlemen, you will not oppose our executing the orders we have receiv- edr asked the one who appeared to be the leader of the party.
 Ion the contrary, gentlemen, we would assist you if it were necessary"
 But you promised me-" said the poor mercer in a ve-y low voice.
 we can only save you by being free ourselves" replied D'Artagnan in . rapid. low tone, s'and if we appear inclined to defend you they will arrest