Born in 1802, died in 1870; his father a French general, his grandmother a negress; at first a writer of plays; active in the Revolution of 1830; wrote books of travel and short stories, a great number of novels, some of them in collaboration with others; "Les Trois Mousquetaires" published in 1844; "Monte Cristo" in 1844-45; "Le Reine Margot" in 1845; wrote also historical sketches and reminiscences; his son of the same name famous also as a writer of books and a playwright. THE SHOULDER, THE BELT, AND THE HANDKERCHIEF[59] Furious with rage, D'Artagnan crossed the anteroom in three strides, and began to descend the stairs four steps at a time, without looking where he was going; when suddenly he was brought up short by knocking violently against the shoulder of a musketeer who was leaving the apartments of M. De Treville. The young man staggered backward from the shock, uttering a cry, or rather a yell. [Footnote 59: From "The Three Musketeers."] "Excuse me," said D'Artagnan, trying to pass him, "but I am in a great hurry." He had hardly placed his foot on the next step, when he was stopt by the grasp of an iron wrist on his sash. "You are in a great hurry!" cried the musketeer, whose face was the color of a shroud; "and you think that is enough apology for nearly knocking me down? Not so fast, my young man. I suppose you imagine that because you heard M. De Treville speaking to us rather brusquely to-day, that everybody may treat us in the same way? But you are mistaken, and it is as well you should learn that you are not M. De Treville." "Upon my honor," replied D'Artagnan, recognizing Athos, who was returning to his room after having his wound drest, "upon my honor, it was an accident, and therefore I begged your pardon. I should have thought that was all that was necessary. I repeat that I am in a very great hurry, and I should be much obliged if you would let me go my way." "Monsieur," said Athos, loosening his hold, "you are sadly lacking in courtesy, and one sees that you must have had a rustic upbringing." D'Artagnan was by this time half-way down another flight; but on hearing Athos's remark he stopt short. "My faith, monsieur!" exclaimed he, "however rustic I may be, I shall not come to you to teach me manners." "I am not so sure of that," replied Athos. "Oh, if I was only not in such haste," cried D'Artagnan; "if only I was not pursuing somebody--" "Monsieur, you will find me without running after me. Do you understand?" "And where, if you please?" "Near Carmes-Deschaux." "At what hour?" "Twelve o'clock." "Very good. At twelve I will be there." "And don't be late, for at a quarter-past twelve I will cut off your ears for you." "All right," called out D'Artagnan, dashing on down-stairs after his man; "you may expect me at ten minutes before the hour."