D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 123: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

112 Under the Ducal Crown. the fact of their being within the royal bounds. And with them, you all will be lodged in the calaboose!” “That is a fact,’ said the Lord of the Vallon, “but, anyway, I order you to obey my friend, the captain a The musketeer came to his friend’s help. “Yes, I am captain in the royal army; but I am the Caballero de Gannarta here, all the same!” Like most men, the lieutenant, made chief, wanted to enjoy his timely promotion. He was a slave to routine and discipline. “M. du Vallon,” returned he, “I know you onlv as a state passenger on the Messier, accredited from the Min- ister of State. The directions were precise that you were to be landed at a place called Las Salinas, which it ap- pears we have reached. Good! my task is completed as regards your lordship. Pray let me go on with my own task, imperatively imposed, to save my shipmates. It is the holiest duty. Besides,’ he arrogantly added, “as I stand, I am the first officer of the Messier’s complement. Consequently, these men take orders from no one but me! I am the king’s officer i “Did you not thear that this officer is the king’s cap- tain !”’ “Sir, a ship captain of the navy ranks with a colonel,” persisted the obstinate man. Du Vallon looked confounded. “Attention !’’ said D’Artagnan, without irritation. He had been investigating his rags of clothing and had found what he sought. Next his skin was a waterproof case, slung round his neck by a porpoise hide lace. “You will please look at this, after which obedience to me follows!” Within the inclosure was a sheet of fine linen paper, for which the paper mill of Angouléme had fame, deco- rated with two seals, caught between folds for the better protection. Apart from the close body of the writing were several scrawls—the signatures. The naval lieu- tenant fastened his eyes on the potent lines while the bearer read: Know, all subjects and allies by these writings, that the bearer does thus for the weal of the realm and under our order. (Countersigned) RICHELIEU. (Signed) Lovts. The guarded seals were those of the Crown and the ' cComichbooks:.co m ‘