“Grimaud!” cried he, “bring out my horses.”

“What, now — immediately!” said the king. “Ah, monsieur, you are indeed a wonderful man!”

“Sire,” said Athos, “I know nothing more pressing than your majesty’s service. Besides,” added he, smiling, “it is a habit contracted long since, in the service of the queen your aunt, and of the king your father. How is it possible for me to lose it at the moment your majesty’s service calls for it?”

“What a man!” murmured the king.

Then, after a moment’s reflection, — ”But no, count, I cannot expose you to such privations. I have no means of rewarding such services.”