"In that case the terrified horse might have slipped or fallen down," said Manicamp, "and the boar, you understand, sire, the boar--" "Oh! I understand that perfectly, as far as the horse is concerned; but how about his rider?" "Well! that, too, is simple enough; the boar left the horse and attacked the rider; and, as I have already had the honor of informing your majesty, shattered De Guiche's hand at the very moment he was about to discharge his second pistol at him, and then, with a blow of his tusk, made that terrible hole in his chest." "Nothing can possibly be more likely; really, Monsieur de Manicamp, you are wrong in placing so little confidence in your own eloquence, and you can tell a story most admirably." "Your majesty is exceedingly kind," said Manicamp, saluting him in the most embarrassed manner. "From this day henceforth, I will prohibit any gentleman attached to my court going to a similar encounter. Really, one might just as well permit dueling." Manicamp started, and moved as if he were about to withdraw. "Is your majesty satisfied?" he inquired. "Delighted; but do not withdraw yet, Monsieur de Manicamp," said Louis, "I have something to say to you." "Well, well!" thought D'Artagnan, "there is another who is not up to our mark;" and he uttered a sigh which might signify, "oh! the men of our stamp, where are they now?" At this moment an usher lifted up the curtain before the door, and announced the king's physician. "Ah!" exclaimed Louis, "here comes Monsieur Valot, who has just been to see M. de Guiche. We shall now hear news of the wounded man." Manicamp felt more uncomfortable than ever. "In this way, at least," added the king, "our conscience will be quite clear." And he looked at D'Artagnan, who did not seem in the slightest degree discomposed. CHAPTER XXV. THE PHYSICIAN. M. Valot entered. The position of the different persons present was precisely the same: the king was seated, Saint-Aignan still leaning over the back of his armchair, D'Artagnan with his back against the wall, and Manicamp still standing. "Well, M. Valot," said the king, "have you obeyed my directions?" "With the greatest alacrity, sire." "You went to the doctor's house in Fontainebleau?" "Yes, sire." "And you found M. de Guiche there?" "I did, sire." "What state was he in? Speak unreservedly." "In a very sad state, indeed, sire." "The wild boar did not quite devour him, however?" "Devour whom?" "Guiche." "What wild boar?" "The boar that wounded him." "M. de Guiche wounded by a boar?" "So it is said, at least." "By a poacher, rather, or by a jealous husband, or an ill-used lover, who, in order to be revenged, fired upon him." "What is that you say, Monsieur Valot? Are not M. de Guiche's wounds produced by defending himself against a wild boar?"