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He knew all the dungeons, Ste. Pelagie and Mont St. Michel, Belle-Ile-en-Mer and Clairvaux, to say nothing of temporary gaols and the evil-smelling hulks on board which political prisoners are often confined. And he still laughed at certain recollections, and related how in the direst circumstances he had always been able to seek refuge in his conscience.
He knew all the dungeons, Ste. Pelagie and Mont St. Michel, Belle-Ile-en-Mer and Clairvaux, to say nothing of temporary gaols and the evil-smelling hulks on board which political prisoners are often confined. And he still laughed at certain recollections, and related how in the direst circumstances he had always been able to seek refuge in his conscience.
It is gratifying to me, above everything, to prove to your majesty how much I am interested in all that may please you. You are wrong in having Belle-Ile-en-Mer secretly fortified. That is wrong. We shall never be at war against each other. That measure does not make me uneasy, it makes me sad.
"Monsieur," said he, "you will go immediately, and take possession of the isle and fief of Belle-Ile-en-Mer." "Yes, sire. Alone?" "You will take a sufficient number of troops to prevent delay, in case the place should be contumacious." A murmur of courtly incredulity rose from the group of courtiers. "That shall be done," said D'Artagnan.
"Because, monsieur, it will be necessary to disguise yourself sometimes, as the servant of a good family. Your face is very well known in France, M. d'Artagnan." "And then, sire?" "And then you will travel slowly through Bretagne, and will examine the fortifications of that country." "The coasts?" "Yes, and the isles; commencing by Belle-Ile-en-Mer."
"So hotly pursued, that if he were dead, she would not be satisfied with anything less than his head, to satisfy her he would never speak again." "And is that the desire of the queen-mother?" "An order is given for it." "This Monsieur d'Herblay shall be sought for, madame." "Oh! it is well known where he is." Colbert looked at the duchesse. "Say where, madame." "He is at Belle-Ile-en-Mer."
"Good evening, M. d'Artagnan; we were speaking of Belle-Isle," said Fouquet, with that usage of society, and that perfect knowledge of the language of looks, which require half a lifetime thoroughly to acquire, and which some persons, notwithstanding all their study, never attain. "Of Belle-Ile-en-Mer! Ah!" said D'Artagnan. "It belongs to you, I believe, M. Fouquet?"
Having assembled them, D'Artagnan arose, took of his hat, and addressed them thus: "Gentlemen, I have been to reconnoiter Belle-Ile-en-Mer, and I have found in it a good and solid garrison; moreover, preparations are made for a defense that may prove troublesome. I therefore intend to send for two of the principal officers of the place, that we may converse with them.
He then brings to the king's attention that Fouquet is fortifying the island of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, and could possibly be planning to use it as a base for some military operation against the king. Louis calls D'Artagnan out of retirement and sends him to investigate the island, promising him a tremendous salary and his long-promised promotion to captain of the musketeers upon his return.
"Your majesty comprehends, without doubt," said Fouquet, bending over the paper; "here is the circle of the walls, here are the forts, there the advanced works." "And what do I see here, monsieur?" "The sea." "The sea all round?" "Yes, sire." "And what is, then, the name of this place of which you show me the plan?" "Sire, it is Belle-Ile-en-Mer," replied Fouquet with simplicity.
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