On leaving Provins the first musketeer proceeded to Nangis, where he was reinforced by thirty-three followers. The second musketeer, arriving at Nangis at the same moment, placed himself at the head of thirty-three more. The third guest of the landlord of Provins arrived at Nangis in time to assemble together thirty-three other musketeers.

   The first stranger led the troops of his Eminence.

   The second led the troops of the Queen.

   The third led the troops of the King.

   The fight commenced. It raged terribly for seven hours. The first musketeer killed thirty of the Queen's troops. The second musketeer killed thirty of the King's troops. The third musketeer killed thirty of his Eminence's troops.

   By this time it will be perceived the number of musketeers had been narrowed down to four on each side.

   Naturally the three principal warriors approached each other.

   They simultaneously uttered a cry.

   "Aramis!"

   "Athos!"

   "D'Artagnan!"

   They fell into each other's arms.

   "And it seems that we are fighting against each other, my children," said the Count de la Fere, mournfully.

   "How singular!" exclaimed Aramis and D'Artagnan.

   "Let us stop this fratricidal warfare," said Athos.

   "We will!" they exclaimed together.

   "But how to disband our followers?" queried D'Artagnan.

   Aramis winked. They understood each other. "Let us cut 'em down!"

   They cut 'em down. Aramis killed three. D'Artagnan three. Athos three.

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