not a tall man. He was still two feet below the window.

   "Dear me!" said the King.

   Suddenly the ladder was lifted two feet from below. This enabled the King to leap in the window. At the farther end of the apartment stood a young girl, with red hair and a lame leg. She was trembling with emotion.

   "Louise!"

   "The King!"

   "Ah, my God, mademoiselle."

   "Ah, my God, sire."

   But a low knock at the door interrupted the lovers. The King uttered a cry of rage; Louise one of despair.

   The door opened and D'Artagnan entered.

   "Good evening, sire," said the musketeer.

   The King touched a bell. Porthos appeared in the doorway.

   "Good evening, sire."

   "Arrest M. D'Artagnan."

   Porthos looked at D'Artagnan, and did not move.

   The King almost turned purple with rage. He again touched the bell. Athos entered.

   "Count, arrest Porthos and D'Artagnan."

   The Count de la Fere glanced at Porthos and D'Artagnan, and smiled sweetly.

   "Sacre! Where is Aramis?" said the King, violently.

   "Here, sire," and Aramis entered.

   "Arrest Athos, Porthos, and D'Artagnan."

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