D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 229: what you’re looking at

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

216 Porthos Fares Badly. The other lumbered along. It was that conscientious and loyal citizen, with his household treasures, whom his like had derided for laying his offerings on the shrine of the country. “Neighbor,” commenced the Frenchman, dexterously steering between “sir,” which might seem sarcastic, and “fellow,” contemptuous, to a unique guide, “I am strange and seeking the Oporto Gate “t “To the left,” said the man, only thinking of getting this obstacle out of the way, as his load was irritating. “Oh, to the left now? I was thinking that gentleman was a little wrong. Well, turn and turn about ought to bring’ me out somewhere. Tell me, since you are so civil,’ he went on, though the other danced with ire, “may I ask you, are you not a light porter that you strug- ele with that load when mules and asses abound ?”’ “IT am not a porter. I am a citizen transporting to the mint what should not be entrusted to a second hand.” “Oh, the mint?’ repeated Porthos, delighted that the conversation was easy-going, “you have sold your horse, then. After having disposed of the animal there, are you carrying its harness to boot ?” “It is baggage which the king will guard with his soldiers’ muskets better than we can with our ’prentices’ clubs.” He had put down his burden, and found the rest agreeable. Besides, he was a true gossip, and thought Porthos’ stumbling parlance to his taste. “Hum!” coughed Porthos, “after the way his garrison guard his citadel, I doubt the excellence of his ward.” ‘All is safe in the mint, because they give receipts,” said this profound believer in black-and-white and forms. “You are right—all goes well when the king gives re- ceipts. Yes, I have heard from a child, ‘Safe as the mint! Still, obliging citizen, though I am a stranger, I should advise your depositing your valise in your own chimney corner, unless, like myself, you can carry it ina sling.” “Sir, will you kindly let me go my way while you go yours?” “T have been asking nothing better these ten minutes, albeit your chat is engaging ; but—which is my way——” Gomichbooks:eom |