This short interval was sufficient to determine D’Artagnan on the part he was to take. It was one of those events which decide the life of a man; it was a choice between the king and the cardinal—the choice made, it must be persisted in. To fight, that was to disobey the law, that was to risk his head, that was to make at one blow an enemy of a minister more powerful than the king himself. All this the young man perceived, and yet, to his praise we speak it, he did not hesitate a second. Turning towards Athos and his friends, “Gentlemen,” said he, “allow me to correct your words, if you please. You said you were but three, but it appears to me we are four.” “But you are not one of us,” said Porthos. “That’s true,” replied D’Artagnan; “I have not the uniform, but I have the spirit. My heart is that of a Musketeer; I feel it, monsieur, and that impels me on.” “Withdraw, young man,” cried Jussac, who doubtless, by his gestures and the expression of his countenance, had guessed D’Artagnan’s design. “You may retire; we consent to that. Save your skin; begone quickly.” D’Artagnan did not budge. “Decidedly, you are a brave fellow,” said Athos, pressing the young man’s hand. “Come, come, choose your part,” replied Jussac. “Well,” said Porthos to Aramis, “we must do something.” “Monsieur is full of generosity,” said Athos. But all three reflected upon the youth of D’Artagnan, and dreaded his inexperience. “We should only be three, one of whom is wounded, with the addition of a boy,” resumed Athos; “and yet it will not be the less said we were four men.” “Yes, but to yield!” said Porthos. “That _is_ difficult,” replied Athos. D’Artagnan comprehended their irresolution. “Try me, gentlemen,” said he, “and I swear to you by my honor that I will not go hence if we are conquered.” “What is your name, my brave fellow?” said Athos. “D’Artagnan, monsieur.” “Well, then, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D’Artagnan, forward!” cried Athos. “Come, gentlemen, have you decided?” cried Jussac for the third time. “It is done, gentlemen,” said Athos. “And what is your choice?” asked Jussac. “We are about to have the honor of charging you,” replied Aramis, lifting his hat with one hand and drawing his sword with the other. “Ah! You resist, do you?” cried Jussac. “S’blood; does that astonish you?” And the nine combatants rushed upon each other with a fury which however did not exclude a certain degree of method. Athos fixed upon a certain Cahusac, a favorite of the cardinal’s. Porthos had Bicarat, and Aramis found himself opposed to two adversaries. As to D’Artagnan, he sprang toward Jussac himself.