“Ah, yes, Monsieur commissary; yes, that is true, and I confess that I was in the wrong. I did go to M. d’Artagnan’s.”
“What was the aim of that visit?”
“To beg him to assist me in finding my wife. I believed I had a right to endeavor to find her. I was deceived, as it appears, and I ask your pardon.”
“And what did M. d’Artagnan reply?”
“Monsieur d’Artagnan promised me his assistance; but I soon found out that he was betraying me.”
“You impose upon justice. M. d’Artagnan made a compact with you; and in virtue of that compact put to flight the police who had arrested your wife, and has placed her beyond reach.”
“ M. d’Artagnan has abducted my wife! Come now, what are you telling me?”
“Fortunately, M. d’Artagnan is in our hands, and you shall be confronted with him.”
“By my faith, I ask no better,” cried Bonacieux; “I shall not be sorry to see the face of an acquaintance.”
“Bring in the M. d’Artagnan,” said the commissary to the guards. The two guards led in Athos.
“Monsieur d’Artagnan,” said the commissary, addressing Athos, “declare all that passed yesterday between you and Monsieur.”
“But,” cried Bonacieux, “this is not M. d’Artagnan whom you show me.”
“What! Not M. d’Artagnan?” exclaimed the commissary.