The Three Musketeers

Alexandre Dumas

MACMILLAN READERS
 MACMILLAN READERS
BEGINNER LEVEL Contents
Founding Editor: John Milne A Note About This Story 4
A Note About The Author 5
The Macmillan Readers provide a choice of enjoyable reading The People ín This Story 6
mateiials for leamers of EngUsh. The series is published at six levéis
- Starter, Beginner, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermedíate A Picture Dictionary 7
and Upper.
1 Diamonds and G o l d 8
Level Control 2 The Joumey to Calais JO
Information, structure and vocabulary are controUed to suit tl-ie
3 The Duke of Buckingham J3
students' ability at each level.
T h e n u m b e r of w o r d s at e a c h l e v e l :
4 The Dance and a Meeting 18
5 W i t h Oíd Friends 23
Starter about 300 basic words 6 D'Artagnan Meets Milady 29
Beginner about 600 basic words
7 A Trap i n La Rochelle 34
Elementary about 1100 basic words
8 Cardinal Richelieu's Secret Visit 38
Pre-intermediate about 1400 basic words
9 Milady's Secret 41
Intermediate about 1600 basic words
10 Prison 46
Upper about 2200 basic words
11 Escape 49
12 Milady Murders 52
Answer Keys
A n answer key for the Exercises section can be found at 13 The T r u t h about Milady 60
wwvv.macmillanenglish.com/readeis
14 T h e Cardinal and D'Artagnan 62
Audit) Download
TIKMC is an auiiio download available for this title. Exercises 66
Visii www.macniillanenglish.com/readers for more information.
 A Note A 3 0 u t This Story A Note About le Author
T h e time: 1625
Alexandre Dumas was born on 24* July 1802 i n Villers-
T h e place: France
Cotteret, a town i n northern France. His father was a
I n 1625, a young man called D'Artagnan comes to Paris. soldier i n Napoleon's army. His father died when Dumas
D'Artagnan wants to be a King's musketeer. Musketeers was four years oíd. Dumas' mother was poor, so he could
are special soldiers. Some musketeers work for King not go to school. But Dumas read a lot of books and he
Louis and some work for Cardinal Richelieu. The liked telling stories.
King's musketeers do not like the cardinal's musketeers. A t the age of twenty, Dumas moved to Paris. He
Sometimes they fight each other. worked for the Duc D'Orleans, who later became King
D'Artagnan is friends w i t h three of the Kiiig's musketeers. of France. Dumas wrote historical plays and novéis. His
Their ñames are Athos, Aramis and Porthos. Monsieur de most famous are The Three Musketeers, The Man in the
Treville is the captain of the King's musketeers. Iron Mask and The Count ofMonte Cristo. People liked his
A t this time there are problems between England stories because they were very exciting. Dumas became
and France. People think there w i l l be a war. Cardinal rich and famous. He liked eating and drinking. He also
Richelieu is a powerful man. He is very cióse to King liked beautiful women. Dumas had four children. His
Louis. The cardinal does not like the English. oldest son's ñame was Alexandre. He became a writer
D'Artagnan is i n love w i t h a pretty young girl called too.
Constance. Constance is Queen Anne's maid. I n 1851, Dumas moved to Brussels i n Belgium. After
Queen A n n e is from Austria. She is married to King Belgium, he lived i n Russia for two years. His books were
Louis but they are not happy. A n n e is secretly i n love very popular i n Russia because many Russians spoke
w i t h an English man - the Duke of Buckingham. The French. Dumas was very happy there. Later he moved to
Queen gives the Duke of Buckingham some diamonds. Italy and started a newspaper there. Finally, he returned
The diamonds were a present from the King to the Queen. to Paris m 1864. He died on the 5'^' of December 1870 i n
Buckingham takes the diamonds back to London. But the Puys i n northen France. His body now lies next to Victor
cardinal knows about the diamonds. The cardin.al wants Hugo and Voltaire i n Paris. Many of his books are now
to stop the Queen and Buckiagbam's love. films.

4 5
 he Peop e I n This Story A Picture Dictionary

n'Ai-ragnan Athos Aramis Porthos

T h e Duke of Queen A n n e The King ele W i n t e r

Buckingham
 1_ 'My darling!' D'Artagnan said. He tried to kiss
Constance, but she stopped h i m . Constance was very
Diamonds and Golc pretty and she loved D'Artagnan. But the Queen was i n
danger. The diamonds were the most important thing
I t was A p r i l 1625. Queen A n n e of France was i n her now.
bedroom w i t h her maid, Constance. The Queen was very 'Not now D'Artagnan,'
unhappy. The King wanted her to wear some diamonds at Constance said. 'Picase ...
a dance. The diamonds were a present to the Queen from you must help me.'
the King. The dance was i n two weeks' time. 'How can I help you, my
' I cannot wear the diamonds. I gave them to the Duke darling?' D'Artagnan asked.
of Buckingham,' A n n e told Constance. 'But now the 'You know I w i l l do anything
Duke is i n England. The King w i l l be very angry.' for you.'
The Queen started to cry. Constance knew the Queen 'You must keep it a secret,'
was right. The diamonds were a big problem. Constance said.
T h e n Constance had an idea. 'Madam,' she said. ' I 'Of course I'U keep it
know someone who can help you.' a secret, my love,' replied
'Really? Who?' asked the Queen. D'Artagnan. 'Picase tell me
' I have a friend,' Constance replied. 'His ñame is what it is.'
D'Artagnan. He is the bravest man i n France.' 'You must go to England, D'Artagnan.'
'Oh Constance! Go and ask h i m now,' the Queen said. 'To England?'
' I hope he can do i t . I w i l l give h i m a lot of money. But 'Yes,' Constance replied. 'You must find the Duke of
tell h i m it must be a secret.' Buckingham. Ask h i m for the Queen's diamonds. She
' I will, Madam,' Constance said. She left the palace and needs them back.'
ran to D'Artagnan's home. She knocked on the door. 'But how can I go to England?' D'Artagnan asked. ' I
'Helio?' D'Artagnan shouted. ' W h o is it?' haven't got any money.'
'It's me, Constance,' she replied. D'Artagnan opened 'Here, take this,' Constance said. She gave h i m a small
the door. D'Artagnan was a young man who wanted to bag. The bag was full of gold.
be a musketeer i n the King's army. He was brave and 'But remember,' Constance said. 'This is a secret. Don't
handsome. He was i n love w i t h Constance. tell anyone. The King must not know about the diamonds.'

8 9
 ' I promise, my darling,' D'Artagnan said. 'That's not important,' Aramis replied. 'You know the
'You must be careful,' Constance said. 'There are many musketeer's motto: " A l l for one, and one for a l l ! " Four
people who don't like the Queen or Buckingham. They men w i l l be stronger than one.'
w i l l try to stop you. Picase come back alive, my love.' 'No, Aramis. We can't go,' Porthos said.
Constance kissed h i m quickly, and then she left. 'Why not?' Aramis asked.
D'Artagnan was very happy. Constance loved h i m and 'Because we haven't got any money,' Porthos said.
the Queen wanted h i m to do something important. He 'How can we buy horses?'
had to go to England immediately. But first he had to 'But money isn't a problem,' D'Artagnan replied. A n d
visit his friends, the three musketeers. Their ñames were he showed his friends the bag of gold.
Porthos, Aramis and Athos. 'Hooray!' the musketeers
shouted. ' A l l for one, and
_2_ one for a l l ! '
The next morning they
T ourney to Calais left Athos' house. First
they bought eight horses.
Aramis and Porthos were at Athos's house. They were There were four horses for
very bored. There were no wars. They did not have nuich D'Artagnan and the three
money because there was no fighting. musketeers. There were
Then D'Artagnan arrived w i t h his servant, Planchet. four more horses for their
He was very excited. servants.
'Helio!' the three men said. 'Why are you so excited?' The four friends left Paris at two o'clock i n the
' I can't tell you,' D'Artagnan said. 'It's a secret. I've morning. The next morning they had breakfast at an inn.
come to say goodbye.' There was another traveller i n the i n n . The traveller saw
'Goodbye? Where are you going?' Athos asked. D'Artagnan and his three friends. He saw they were from
'I'm going to England,' D'Artagnan replied. 'Someone the King's musketeers. T h e n the traveller said loudly,
needs my help. I must get to Calais tonight. But it w i l l be 'The cardinal is the best man i n France.'
dangerous. There are people who w i l l try to stop me.' 'My friend,' Porthos replied. 'You must be very stupid.
'We must come w i t h you,' Aramis said. The best man i n France is the King.'
'But I can't tell you the secret,' D'Artagnan said. 'Don't cali me stupid,' the traveller shouted.

10 11
 'Then don't say that the cardinal is a better man than left. That night Athos and D'Artagnan slept at an i n n
the King,' Porthos replied. near Amiens.
Suddenly, the man and Porthos started fighting. The next morning, Athos tried to pay the biU. But the
D'Artagnan, Athos and Aramis wanted to help but they innkeeper was not happy.
were i n a hurry. There was not enough time. They decided 'This isn't real money,' he said.
to leave Porthos at the i n n . Athos was very angry. 'Of course it's real money. 1 am
'Now we are seven,' D'Artagnan said. not a thief!' he shouted.
Two hours later they saw some men working i n the Suddenly four strange men entered the room. They
road. The musketeers tried to pass. Suddenly the men were big and they did not look friendly. The men moved
puUed out some guns. towards Athos. Athos knew something was wrong. The
men wanted to stop Athos and D'Artagnan. They did not
want them to go to England!
'Run!' Athos shouted to D'Artagnan. D'Artagnan and
Planchet quickly got on their horses and left the inn.
'What w i l l happen to Athos?' Planchet asked.
' I don't know,' D'Artagnan replied. 'But someone
doesn't want us to go to England!'

The Duke of Buckingham

'Give US your money, now!' the men shouted. There
was a fight and one of the men shot Aramis i n the arm. The next day D'Artagnan and Planchet came to the port
D'Artagnan, Athos and Aramis rodé away quickly but of Calais. They went straight to the boats. A man and
Aramis was very hurt. Soon they had to stop. his servant stood i n front of them. The man spoke to the
'1 can't go to Calais like this,' Aramis said. ' I am captain of one of the boats.
bleeding. 1 must stay here.' ' I need to go to England,' the man said.
Aramis and Porthos's two servants stayed w i t h Aramis. 'That's not possible,' the captain replied. 'You cannot
N o w only Athos, D'Artagnan and their servants were leave France. You must have the cardinal's permission.'

12 13
 'But I have the cardinal's permission,' the man replied. 'For this,' D'Artagnan replied, and he cut the man w i t h
A n d he showed the captain a piece of paper. his sword. He cut h i m three times. Once for Athos. Once
'Then you must show it to the governor,' replied the for Porthos. A n d once for Aramis.
captain. 'He Uves i n that house on the h i l l , ' The man's servant tried to stop D'Artagnan, but
W h a t could D'Artagnan do ? He d id not have permiss ion Planchet cut h i m too. N o w both men were on the floor.
from the cardinal. But he had to get to England. They were not moving.
D'Artagnan fpUowed the man to the governor's house. D'Artagnan took the paper from the man's pocket. I t
The man and his servant went inside the house. They read:
came out ten minutes later. D'Artagnan waited outside.
í give permission for this man to go to England.
'Give me that piece of paper,' he said to the man.
Cardinal Richelieu
'No,' the man replied. ' I need it to go to England.'
'Sir, I must have that piece of paper. Please give it to D'Artagnan took the paper to the captain.
me,' D'Artagnan said again. 'Can you take me to England,' he asked.
' I w i l l not give you anything,' the man said. 'Yes, I can,' the captain replied. 'But another man is
'Then I am very sorry,' D'Artagnan said. going to England too. We must wait for h i m . '
'Why are you sorry?' the man asked. ' I saw h i m a few moments ago,' D'Artagnan said. 'He
changed his mind. He doesn't want to go to England
today.'
'Then let's leave now,' the captain said.
The next day D'Artagnan arrived i n London. He
could not speak English so he wrote down the Duke of
Buckingham's ñame on a piece of paper. People soon
showed h i m to the palace. T h e n a servant took h i m to
the Duke.
At first the Duke did not want to speak to
D'Artagnan.
'But I have an important message for you,' D'Artagnan
said. ' I t is from Queen A n n e of France.'
'Anne?' the Duke said. 'What is the message?'

14 15
 'Last month the Queen gave you a present,' said 'What can we do?' D'Artagnan asked.
D'Artagnan. 'She gave you some diamonds. You must 'My jeweller w i l l make two more diamonds. T h e n you
give them back to her. There w i l l be a dance next week. must go back to France. You must give the diamonds to
The King wants A n n e to wear them at the dance.' the Queen before the dance. The King must not know
Buckingham looked very worried. He was i n love w i t h about this.'
Queen A n n e . He did not want her to have problems. 'The diamonds w i l l be ready i n two days,' Buckingham
'Come w i t h me,' the Duke said to D'Artagnan. They went on. 'My jeweller is the fastest and the best i n
went together to Buckingham's bedroom. Buckingham England.'
opened a box and took out the diamonds. Suddeiily, he He was right. Two days later the diamonds were ready.
looked very frightened. 'Here, D'Artganan, take this note,' the Duke said. He
'What's wrong?' D'Artagnan asked. gave D'Artagnan a piece of paper. 'No ships can leave
'There were twelve diamonds,' Buckingham replied. England,' Buckingham told him. '1 gave the order. Go to
'But now there are only ten! Someone took them. I t must the port in London. You will find a ship called the Sund.
be Cardinal Richelieu's men. He doesn't like me or Queen Show the captain this note. He will take you to France.
A n n e because we love each other. He wants the King to Then you must go to an inn with no ñame. Say the word
be angry. I t w i l l give Richelieu more power i n France.' 'forward' to the innkeeper. He'U give you a horse. There are
four more inns like this on the way to Paris. Each innkeeper
w i l l give you a horse. You will be in Paris very soon.'
D'Artagnan left w i t h Planchet. Soon he was on a boat
called the Sund. There were fifty boats on the river. But
only the Sund could leave. Suddenly D'Artagnan saw a
woman on one of the
boats. She was very
beautiful. But soon
he could not see her
any more. He was far
out to sea.

16 17
 first dance finished. The King went to the Queen. He
4
showed her the box w i t h the two diamonds.
The Dance and a Meeting 'Thank you for wearing the diamonds,' he said. 'But
two are missing. I've got them here i n this box.'
It was the day of the dance and everyone was excited. 'What do you mean, sir?' the Queen asked. 'Are you
The palace was full of people and noise. But the King was giving me two more diamonds? T h e n I'U have fourteen.'
worried. The Queen looked sad and tired. The King counted the Queen's diamonds. There were
T h e n Cardinal Richelieu spoke to the King quietly. twelve o n her necklace!
He showed h i m a box. The box had two diamonds i n it.
The King started to look angry.
'What is this?' he said.
'You must ask the Queen a question,' said the cardinal.
'Does she still have all twelve diamonds?'
The King walked up to the Queen. 'Madam,' he said.
'Where are the diamonds I gave you? I asked you to wear
them at the dance tonight.'
'I'm not wearing the diamonds because I don't want to
lose them,' Queen A n n e replied.
'But 1 would like you to wear the diamonds. I t w i l l
make me very happy,' the King said.
'Then 1 w i l l wear them,' the Queen replied.
The King and the Queen went to their rooms to get
dressed for the dance. But the people saw the King and
Queen were not happy. 'What is the problem?' the people The King and Queen went to find the cardinal. ' M y
asked. 'The King looked very angry.' queen is wearing twelve diamonds, not ten,' said the King
Only Cardinal Richelieu looked happy. angrily. 'Why did you give me two more?'
The ftrst dance began. The King looked very handsome. The cardinal looked worried but he thought quickly.
The Queen looked beautiful i n her diamonds. The King ' I gave you two more,' he said, 'because I wanted to
tried to count the diamonds but i t was difficult. T h e n the give the Queen a present.'

18
19
 'Thank you, Cardinal,' the Queen replied. She knew said to meet at St Cloud. St Cloud was a village near
the cardinal wanted to make the King angry. But the K i n g Paris. The Queen had a castle there.
was very happy now. D'Artagnan gave Planchet some money. 'You can wait
But the happiest person i n the palace was D'Artagnan. in the i n n for me,' he said. T U see you i n the morning.'
He knew the Queen was safe because of his trip to At the castle,
England. everything was dark.
'Follow me,' a voice said suddenly. D'Artagnan tunied But there was one
and saw Constance. She took h i m to a small room. window w i t h a light
' I have a present for you,' Constance said. T h e n she gave in it. D'Artagnan
D'Artagnan a small ring. He knew it was a present from thought it was
the Queen. D'Artagnan was very excited, but he wanted Constance's window
something more. He wanted to be w i t h Constance. but he could not
' W h e n can I see you again, darling?' he asked. go into the castle.
'Not tonight,' she replied. 'Meet me tomorrow evening. It was cold outside
I w i l l see you then. But you must keep it a secret. The but D'Artagnan was
address and time are i n this letter. N o w l must return to happy to wait. After
the Queen.' half an hour, he heard
She quickly kissed D'Artagnan and left. D'Artagnan the clock sound. I t
smiled. He was very happy and could not sleep. He was half past ten.
thought about Constance all day. 'Constance is late,'
But there was a long time to wait so D'Artagnan he said to himself. 'Or
decided to look for Athos, Aramis and Porthos. He visited perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps the meeting is at eleven.'
their houses, but they were all empty. He took the letter from his pocket and read it again.
'This is very strange,' D'Artagnan said to himself. 'I'U
Vil meet you at ten at St Cloud castle.
go and look for them where l left them. But not today. FU
look for them tomorrow. First I must meet Constance.' D'Artagnan started to feel worried. Where was
D'Artagnan was probably the most excited man i n Constance? Was she asleep or was she i n trouble?
Paris. A t nine o'clock he left Paris w i t h Planchet. They I t was now eleven o'clock. D'Artagnan could not wait
rodé their horses through the darkness. Constance's note any longer. He tried to climb the wall of the castle, but

20 21
it was impossible. T h e n lie saw a rail tree next to the They went inside her room. I heard a fight. The lady came
lit window. He climbed the tree and looked through the to the window and shouted for help. Then they climbed
glass. Inside the room was a broken table. There were back down w i t h the lady. She looked very frightened.'
clothes on the floor. Constance was not in the room. D'Artagnan left the oíd man and went back to the inn.
D'Artagnan came down and looked around the garden. He wanted to look for Constance, but i t was impossible.
The only thing he found was Constance's glove. Where He could not find her in the dark.
was she? He ran to a small house by the gate. He knocked
on the door and an oíd man answered.
'Yes sir?' the oíd man asked.
'I'm looking for my friend,' D'Artagan replied. 'She's a W i t h Oíd Friends
very pretty young woman.'
'There was a pretty woman here earlier this evening,' The next day D'Artagnan visited Monsieur de Treville.
the man said. ' I can't tell you anything more.' Monsieur de Treville was the captain of the King's
But D'Artagnan saw that the man knew more. 'Please, musketeers. He was clever and brave. D'Artagnan told
tell me,' he said. He gave the man some money. him about the men and Constance.
'Well, all right,' said ' I Immm. I think they were the cardinal's men,'
the man. 'The lady Monsieur de Treville said.
arrived here at about 'But what can we do?' D'Artagnan asked.
nine o'clock. She went ' I know it's very difficult for you, but you must be
into the castle. Half careful,' Treville replied. 'Those men w i l l probably look
an hour later, three for you too. You must leave Paris. FU tell the Queen about
men arrived. They Constance. Go and find Athos, Aramis and Porthos.
were dressed like the They w i l l be i n danger.'
cardinal's musketeers. D'Artagnan thanked the captain. 1 le and Planchet
They asked me for a left Paris again. They travelled back to the i n n where
ladder. I gave them one. they left Porthos. D'Artagnan entered the i n n . He wore
They took the ladder an expensive uniform. 1 le looked rich and important.
and climbed up to the 'Please have some wine w i t h me,' the innkeeper said.
young lady's window. D'Artagnan and the innkeeper started drinking together.

22 23
After a short time the innkeeper said, D'Artagnan found Aramis' room and entered it.
' I t h i n k I know you. I know your face.' Aramis sat at the table. Two priests sat opposite h i m .
'It's possible,' D'Artagnan said. ' I was here last week 'Aramis, my friend,' D'Artagnan said. 'Are you ready
w i t h my friends. I n fact, 1 left one of my friends here. to come w i t h me? I am going to look for Athos.'
His ñame is Monsieur Porthos. He had an argument w i t h 'I'm very sorry, D'Artagnan,' Aramis said. 'But I'm
another man about the cardinal.' going to be a priest.'
'Porthos!' the innkeeper said. 'He is still here.' D'Artagnan could not believe it. He did not want
'What do you mean?' D'Artagnan asked. 'Is he okay?' Aramis to become a priest. He wanted Aramis to be a
'He's okay. But he is eating all my food and he hasn't musketeer and help find Constance.
got any money,' the innkeeper said.
D'Artagnan went upstairs to see Porthos. Porthos was
in bed. He was very happy to see D'Artagnan.
'D'Artagnan, my friend!' he shouted. 'How are you? Is
there any news of Athos and Aramis?'
' I don't know where they are. I'm going to look for
them now. Come w i t h me,' D'Artagnan said.
' I can't leave here now,' Porthos said.
'Why not?' D'Artagnan asked.
'Because I need money to pay the innkeeper,' Porthos
replied. ' I sent a letter to my lover in Paris yesterday,
asking for money. I must wait here for her reply.' 'Can I speak to my friend alone, please?' D'Artagnan
D'Artagnan left the i n n and rodé further. He was asked the priests. They did not look very happy, but they
happy that Porthos was safe. N o w he and Planchet carne left the room. D'Artagnan turned to Aramis.
to the i n n where they left Aramis. The innkeeper stood 'Are you sure you want to be a priest, Aramis?' he
outside. asked. 'It's a very different Ufe.'
'Is Monsieur Aramis still here?' they asked her. ' A h , I'm very sure, D'Artagnan,' Aramis replied. '1 feel
'Yes, he is,' she replied. 'But you can't see h i m . ' it is the best thing i n the world for me.'
' W h y not?' D'Artagnan asked. 'But there is a person who w i l l be sad,' D'Artagnan
'He's w i t h two priests,' she said. said. 'They won't be able to meet you anymore.'

24 25
 'Don't worry,' said Aramis. 'You, Porthos and Athos Aramis agreed. He waved goodbye to D'Artagnan and
can meet me.' Planchet.
' I don't mean us,' D'Artagnan repUed. 'Pm talking Soon D'Artagnan and Planchet arrived at the i n n . But
about Madame de Chevreuse's maid - Mademoiselle they could not see Athos or his servant.
Marie M i c h o n . ' 'Excuse me, Sir,' said D'Artagnan to the innkeeper.
D'Artagnan knew that Aramis was i n love w i t h 'What happened to our friend Athos? Do you remember?
Madame de Chevreuse's maid. You told a lie about money. T h e n three men came. They
'Oh, I'm sure Marie w i l l forget me,' Aramis said. 'She had a fight w i t h h i m . '
never writes to me now.' 'Athos?' the man replied. 'Please do not talk about
'You are wrong, Aramis,' D'Artagnan said. 'I've got a him. It's very bad news.'
letter from her here. But of course, you w i l l not want to 'Why? Is he dead?' D'Artagnan asked.
read it. You're going to be a priest!' : 'No, sir, he i.sn't dead,' the innkeeper replied. 'He was
'What are you telling me?' shouted Aramis. 'Here, give very brave. He killed one of the men and hurt two of
me the letter!' them. They ran away. But Athos thinks they w i l l come
Aramis took the letter from D'Artagnan. I t smelled of back. He went into the cellar w i t h his servant to wait for
perfume. Aramis read it quickly. He looked very happy. them. A n d now he's eating all my food and drinking all
'What does it say?' D'Artagnan asked. my wine.'
'It says that she loves me,' replied Aramis. 'Everything 'Can 1 speak to him?' D'Artagnan asked.
is fantastic!' 'You can try,' said the innkeeper.
'But you're going to be a priest,' D'Artagnan said. D'Artagnan knocked on the door to the cellar.
'That means you can't see her.' ' W h o is it?' Athos asked.
' A priest?' Aramis shouted. ' I don't need to be a priest. 'It's me, D'Artagnan.'
Love is more important! Let's go and find Athos. T h e n 'Come in, come i n , ' Athos shouted. D'Artagnan
we'U go back to Paris.' entered and saw a lot of empty wine bottles.
D'Artagnan felt very happy. Aramis got on his horse 'Athos, it's so good to see you alive,' D'Artagnan said
and tried to ride. But it was too painful. He was still hurt happily.
and he needed to rest. 'And the same to you, my friend. D i d you get to
'Don't worry, Aramis,' D'Artagnan said. T i l find Athos England?' Athos asked.
and we'U meet you in Paris. You must get better first.' 'Yes, 1 did,' replied D'Artagnan.

26 27
 'Then why do you look her breathe. But then he saw something on her shoulder.'
so sad?' Athos said. Athos was quiet for a moment. He looked very sad.
D'Artagnan told Athos T h e n he said, ' O n her shoulder she had a mark. The mark
about Constance. Athos is called a "fleur-de-lis". A l l prisoners i n France have this
listened very carefully. mark. She wasn't the priest's sister. She was an escaped
'Love is a terrible business prisoner. I n her past she stole a píate from a church.'
D'Artagnan,' he said at last. 'That's terrible!' D'Artagnan said. 'What did your
' A terrible business.' friend do?'
'That's very easy for you 'He killed her. He hanged her on a rope,' Athos said.
to say,' D'Artagnan replied 'He wanted to hang her brother too, but he escaped. So
angrily. 'But you're not i n you see, my friend, sometimes love can be a bad thing.'
love.' D'Artagnan wanted to ask Athos more questions. But
'That's true. I'm not i n Athos did not want to say more.
love,' Athos said. 'But don't 'Let's have some more wine and food,' he said. 'Then
be angry w i t h me. I know tomorrow we'U go to Paris and look for Constance.'
something about love. A
friend of mine was i n love once.'
'What happened?' D'Artagnan asked.
'My friend was the lord of a castle,' Athos said. ' A D'Artagnan Meets Milady
young priest lived i n the village near the castle. He lived
w i t h his young sister. She was sixteen and very beautiful. The next day the friends arrived i n Paris. But there was
N o one knew where they came from. It didn't matter. M y no time to find Constance. The King was very angry w i t h
friend fell i n love w i t h the young woman. They decided the English. The English did not like the French. Now,
to get married. He was very stupid.' many English ships sailed to France w i t h soldiers. They
' W h y was he stupid?' D'Artagnan asked. 'He loved sailed to a t o w n called La Rochelle.
her. That is the most important thing.' 'We must fight the English at La Rochelle next week,'
'My friend thought like you,' replied Athos. ' A n d he the French king said to his musketeers.
was very happy at first. But one day they went riding and D'Artagnan and his friends were excited. They liked
his wife fell off her horse. My friend undid her dress to help fighting for the King.

28 29
 The next day, D'Artagnan and his three friends went to í unll meet you tomorrow at the Inn of Gold.
church. I n the crowd D'Artagnan saw a beautiful woman.
D'Artagnan put the letter i n his pocket.
She wore black and she had blonde hair. D'Artagnan
' I would like to meet Madame Clarick,' he said. ' I w i l l
could not stop looking at her. Suddenly he remembered
go and see her now.' A n d he went into Milady's house.
her. She was the woman o n the boat i n London!
D'Artagnan wanted to ask Milady about England.
D'Artagnan waited for the church meeting to finish.
W h y was she o n a boat there? D i d she take the diamonds
T h e n he foliowed the woman home.
from the Duke of Buckingham?
The woman lived i n a large and beautiful house.
D'Artagnan soon found MUady but he did not ask her
D'Artagnan waited outside. Soon he saw the woman's
any questions. He could not think. Milady was beautiful
maid leave the house. The maid was young and pretty.
and he wanted to be w i t h her. That was all he knew.
She saw D'Artagnan and smiled.
D'Artagnan said many loving words and Milady was
'What is your ñame?' he asked.
happy to hear them.
'Kitty,' the maid replied.
D'Artagnan visited Milady every evening. But they
'Tell me. W h o Uves i n that large house?' he said.
only talked. Milady was polite, but she did not love
'My mistress,' Kitty replied. 'She's an English woman.
D'Artagnan. She loved the Count de Wardes.
Her name's Milady Clarick.'
Every night, Milady gave Kitty a letter for the count.
'Is she married?' D'Artagnan asked.
But Kitty did not give the letters to the count. She gave
'She was married,' said Kitty. 'But her husband died.
the letters to D'Artagnan.
She has a son. Her husband's brother is still alive. His
One evening, D'Artagnan wrote a letter back to
name's Lord de Winter. Milady is i n love w i t h the Count
de Wardes. I must give h i m this letter from her.' Milady. The letter said:

D'Artagnan looked at the letter i n Kitty's hand. He

I am sorry 1 could not see you. l was ill. l will come to your
wanted to meet Milady. He remembered her on the boat.
house tomorrow.
W h y was Milady i n England? Count de Wardes
'Can I see that letter?' he asked Kitty.
'No, sir. It's for the Count de Wardes,' Kitty replied. Kitty gave the letter to Milady. She was very happy.
'Please,' D'Artagnan said. A n d because Kitty liked 'Please don't come to my house tomorrow,' she said to
D'Artagnan, she could not say no. D'Artagnan took the D'Artagnan. T U be busy.'
letter and read it. The note said. So D'Artagnan did not go to MUady's house. But the

30 31
next day, he received a letter from her. The letter said, Milady looked surprised. 'What do you mean?' she
asked. 'You must k i l l the Count de Wardes. He was very
Please visit me tonight. l need your help.
rude to me.'
Milady Clarick
'No, he wasn't,' D'Artagnan said. 'Now I must tell you
That evening, D'Artagnan visited Milady's house. the truth. I have all the letters you wrote to de Wardes.
Milady was very angry. 'Do you love me, D'Artagnan?' He didn't receive them. He didn't write that letter to you.
she asked h i m . 1 wrote i t . '
D'Artagnan's face was red. 'Yes, I do,' he said. Milady's face changed.
'Good,' Milady replied. ' A n d I love you too. But I want She was suddenly very angry.
you to do something for me. There is a man called the She tried to hit D'Artagnan,
Count de Wardes. He is my enemy. He promised to meet but he caught her hand.
me last night, but he never came. That was very rude. I Then he saw something on
want you to k i l l Count de Wardes for me.' Milady's arm. It was the mark
'Kill h i m , Milady?' D'Artagnan asked. that all prisoners i n France
'Yes,' she replied. 'Please, k i l l h i m for me. 1 w i l l love receive - the fleur-de-lis.
you always.' 'You were a prisoner!'
D'Artagnan felt surprised and scared. Milady did not D'Artagnan said.
know that the letter was from h i m . She thought it was 'You lied to me!' Milady
from de Wardes. shouted. 'And now you
'But I may be hurt,' he said to Milady. 'Or de Wardes know my secret. So you
may k i l l me. A n d then I may never see you again. Please, must die!'
let me kiss you ftrst.' D'Artagnan looked down
Milady did not love D'Artagnan, but she hated de and saw a knife i n Milady's
Wardes. So she kissed D'Artagnan. D'Artagnan stayed i n hand. He lifted his sword
Milady's room that night. He was very happy. and stepped away from her.
The next morning, Milady woke up and said, 'Now 'Don't come near me
you must k i l l the Count de Wardes.' or I'U k i l l you,' he shouted. A n d then he ran out of the
D'Artagnan smiled. house.
'I'm sorry,' he said. 'But I won't k i l l the count.' D'Artagnan was now Milady's enemy forever.

32 33
 7

A Trap in La Rochelle
The next day D'Artagnan left for La Rochelle w i t h
the other musketeers. But Milady had powerful friends.
D'Artagnan was not safe.
Later that day he received a message. It said:

Pícase come and see me today. Cardinal RicheUeu

D'Artagnan was very worried. ' I ' m i n trouble,' he

thought to himself.
That evening, he arrived at the cardinal's office.
Richelieu smiled at h i m . D'Artagnan felt very surprised. D'Artagnan was very surprised. But he wanted to be a
'D'Artagnan!' he said. ' I ' m very happy to see you.' musketeer for the King, not the cardinal.
'Really, monsieur?' D'Artagnan asked. ' l did not t h i n k 'Thank you very much. Cardinal,' he said. 'But I'm
you knew me.' very sorry. My friends are musketeers for the King. I want

' A h , you are already famous, D'Artagnan,' the cardinal to be a musketeer for the King too.'

said. 'People say you are the bravest man i n France.' N o w Richelieu looked angry. People never said 'no' to
'That's very nice,' D'Artagnan replied. 'But it isn't the cardinal!

true. The bravest men i n France are my friends: Athos, 'Very well, D'Artagnan,' he said. 'But be careful. You

Aramis and Porthos.' have many enemies in Paris.'

'Yes, yes, they are brave men too,' replied the cardinal. D'Artagnan left the cardinal's office. He wanted to tell

'But they are musketeers. They have to be brave.' Athos, Aramis and Porthos about the cardinal's offer. But

'That is true. C a r d i n a l ' there was no time. He had to go to La Rochelle to fight

the English. Monsieur de Treville needed his help.
'Do you want to be a musketeer, D'Artagnan?' the
D'Artagnan arrived i n La Rochelle. There were
cardinal asked.
'Yes, sir. It's my dream,' D'Artagnan replied. English soldiers there but no fighting yet. The French

' I would like you to j o i n my musketeers,' Richelieu soldiers needed to know more about the English soldiers.
How good were they? How many guns did they have?
said. ' W i l l you fight for me?'
34 35
 'We need some brave men go to the EngUsh camp,' sound of the King arriving. Athos, Aramis and Porthos
said the French general. 'But it w i l l be very dangerous.' rodé w i t h the King.
T U go,' D'Artagnan said. 'Helio, D'Artagnan!' they shouted.
D'Artagnan left an hour later w i t h three other 'Helio,' D'Artagnan said. 'Thank you for the wine.'
soldiers. They had to be very quiet. They went to look 'What wine?' Athos asked.
at the English camp. There they saw the English soldiers 'The wine you sent me.' D'Artagnan replied.
and their guns. But then the English saw D'Artagnan too. 'We didn't send you any wine,' Porthos said.
The English shot at D'Artagnan but he escaped w i t h the 'But I received six bottles of wine today,' D'Artagnan
other soldiers. He was very lucky.
said. ' A n d there was a letter from you.'
D'Artagnan travelled back to the French camp. There 'We didn't send a letter to you,' Aramis replied.
was a present for h i m there. The present was six bottles of Suddenly they heard someone shouting. I t was
wine. There was a letter w i t h the wine. I t said: D'Artagnan's servant, Planchet.
Dear D'Artagnan 'Come! H e l p ! ! ' Planchet shouted. D'Artagnan and
We are in an inn. We will be in La Rochelle soon. This the musketeers ran to D'Artagnan's room. There they saw
wine is a present for you. something terrible. The soldier who drank the wine was
Athos, Aramis and Porthos on the floor. He was dead!

D'Artagnan was very excited. 'Come and have dinner

w i t h me!' he said to the other soldiers. He took the wine
to the soldiers' kitchen.
D'Artagnan and the soldiers sat at the table. One of
the soldiers didn't feel well. D'Artagnan gave h i m some
of the wine.
'Drink this,' he said. 'You'll feel better.'
They watched the soldier drink his wine. Suddenly
there was a loud noise.
'It's the war!' D'Artagnan shouted. 'It's started!'
D'Artagnan ran from the room w i t h his sword. He was
ready to fight. But the noise was not the war. I t was the

36 37
 'What happened?' D'Artagnan asked. 'I'm very sorry. Cardinal,' Athos said. ' M y ñame is
'He drank the wine, sir,' Planchet replied. ' A n d then Athos. A n d these are my friends, Aramis and Porthos.'
he started to feel very i l l . ' ' A h , the famous musketeers,' Richelieu said. 'This is
Athos took a bottle of the wine. He smelled i t . very lucky. I am travelling to an i n n near here. It's a secret
'This isn't wine,' he said. 'It's poison! Somebody wants but I need some soldiers for protection. Come w i t h me.'
to k i l l you, D'Artagnan.' The musketeers had to follow the cardinal. They rodé
'Milady knows I am here,' D'Artagnan said. ' I t is war for ftve kilometres. They came to the i n n and the cardinal
u n t i l one of us is dead.' went inside w i t h the musketeers.
The cardinal's two men waited outside w i t h the
8 horses.
'Wait i n this room for me.' the cardinal said to the
Cardinal Richelieu's Secret Visit
musketeers. T h e n he went upstairs. The musketeers
waited.
The musketeers waited at La Rochelle, but there was 'What's the cardinal doing?' Aramis asked.
little fighting. Athos, Aramis and Porthos had a lot of 'Listen!' Porthos said. '1 can hear the cardinal talking.'
free time. One evening they all decided to go to an i n n . I t was true. The musketeers were i n the room below
D'Artagnan was busy and did not go w i t h them. the cardinal. They could hear what he said. They could
The three men travelled to the i n n on their horses. hear a woman's voice too.
They drank some wine and then rodé back to the soldier's 'Milady, I've got an important job for you,' he said.
camp. O n the way, they met three other men o n horses. 'MÍÍ¿K1}Ii'Athos said to himself.
It was dark. The musketeers could not see the ftrst man's 'There is a ship ready for you,' the cardinal said. ' A n d
face. I t was covered by a big hat. there are men o n the ship who w i l l help you. You must
'Stop!' Athos shouted to the men. ' W h o are you?' take the ship to England. G o to London and ftnd the
' A n d who are youV the man w i t h the hat replied. Duke of Buckingham. Tell h i m that I know he's i n love
'What do you mean?' Athos asked. 'Tell me your ñame w i t h the Queen of France. I've got letters that he sent to
or we'U ftght you.' her. He must stop the war i n France now or I w i l l tell the
'You will not fight us,' said the man. 'Again, 1 ask. W h o King. The King w i l l be very angry and Buckingham w i l l
are you?' A n d then he took his hat off. Athos and the never see the Queen again.'
musketeers were very surprised. I t was Cardinal Richelieu! 'But he may say no,' Milady said.

38 39
 ' W h o is that?'
'He is called D'Artagnan,' Milady replied. 'You are the
most powerful man i n France. W i t h your help, l can k i l l
him.'
'Give me a pen and some paper,' the cardinal said. '1
w i l l write a note for you.'
T h e n the cardinal and Milady stopped talking. The
musketeers felt very worried. Milady wanted to k i l l
D'Artagnan. How could they stop her?
'I'm going to leave now,' Athos said.
'But the cardinal w i l l be very angry,' Porthos said.
'Tell h i m that I'm going to check the road,' Athos
replied. 'Don't worry. I've got a plan.'
W h a t was Athos's plan? There was no time to ask. He
left the i n n quickly.

Milady's Secret

' I am going to the forest,' Athos told the cardinal's men.

'I'm going to make it safe for the cardinal.'
Athos got on his horse and rodé for a minute. T h e n
he stopped and hid behind some trees. I t was dark and
he says no, you must kül h i m , ' the cardinal replied nobody could see h i m . He watched the cardinal and the
But that IS very dangerous,' Milady said. 'What w i l l
musketeers leave the i n n . They rodé their horses back
you do for me?'
towards the forest. I t was dark and soon he could not see
W h a t do you want?' the cardinal asked. them.
' I want to find my enemy,' Milady said.
T h e n Athos returned to the i n n . He went inside.

40
41
 ' I must give the woman upstairs a message,' he said
to the innkeeper. 'It's from the cardinal. Is she in her
room?'
'Yes, she is,' the innkeeper replied. 'Go upstairs.'
Athos went upstairs. He looked through the door of
Milady's room. She stood i n the room w i t h her coat on.
T h e n Athos entered the room. Milady turned and looked
at h i m . Her face turned white w i t h fear.
'You!'she said.
'Yes, that's right, Milady,' Athos said. 'The Count de
la Fere. Well, my wife. l thought you were dead. But 1 see
you are still alive.'
'What do you want?' Milady asked h i m .
' I know you work for the cardinal,' Athos replied.
'You've done many bad things for h i m . ' Athos put the note i n his pocket. 'Goodbye, Milady,'

' A n d now I'm going to k i l l Buckingham,' Milady said. he said, and he left the room.
'That's not important,' Athos said. 'Buckingham is Outside the i n n , he found the cardinal's men waiting.
English. But D'Artagnan is my friend. Don't hurt h i m . ' 'Take Milady to the ship,' Athos said. 'You must stay
'D'Artagnan was bad to me,' Milady replied. 'He lied w i t h her at all times.'
and he hurt me. So I am going to k i l l h i m . ' 'Yes, sir,' the men said.
Athos was very angry. He pointed his gun at Milady. T h e n Athos got on his horse and rodé away. But he
'You w i l l not k i l l D'Artagnan,' he said. ' A n d you w i l l did not use the road. He rodé his horse through the fields.
give me Cardinal Richelieu's note.' He arrived at the forest one minute before the cardinal
'1 bate you!' Milady shouted. But she could do nothing. and the musketeers.
Athos had a gun and she did not. She gave h i m the note. 'Stop! W h o are you?' he shouted at them.'
The note said: 'Athos!' the musketeers shouted. 'It's us, Aramis and
The person who has this note acts for the good of France. Porthos.'
Cardinal Richelieu, 5 December 1627 The three musketeers rodé to the camp w i t h the cardinal.
Aramis and Porthos wanted to ask Athos questions, but it
42 43
 was impossible. The cardinal could hear every word. ' W h a t does this mean?' he asked. ' W h y d i d she have
Finally, they arrived at the camp. 'Good night, it?'
gentlemen,' the cardinal said. 'Thank you for your help.' 'Because she wants to k i l l you, D'Artagnan,' Athos
A n d then he left. replied. 'The cardinal is protecting her.'
'Well, what d i d you do?' Porthos asked. 'We must k i l l her first,' Porthos said.
'Where did you go?' Aramis asked. 'That's not necessary. She is going to England now,'
' I can't tell you now,' Athos replied. 'First we must find Athos said. 'She can't hurt D'Artagnan there.'
D'Artagnan. We must tell h i m about Milady.' 'But she w i l l k i l l Buckingham,' D'Artagnan replied. '1
A few minutes later, D'Artagnan came to find his must go to England again and tell him. I like Buckingham.
friends. .
He was good to me.'
'D'Artagnan,' Athos said, ' I saw Milady.'
'You can't do that,' Athos told h i m . 'We are at war
'Where did you see her?' D'Artagnan asked. D'Artagnan
w i t h England. We were not then. Nobody can go there
was brave but he was frightened of Milady.
now. '
'She was w i t h Cardinal Richelieu. But don't worry.
'That's true,' Aramis said. 'Perhaps we can write
She is going to England to k i l l Buckingham.'
'No, Athos,' Aramis said. 'She's going to ask Buckingham a letter.'
Buckingham to stop the fighting.' 'Impossible,' Porthos said. 'We can't write to
'That is what the cardinal thinks,' Athos replied. 'But Buckingham. He's the King's biggest enemy. The letter
Milady wants to k i l l Buckingham.' w i l l never get to England.'
'We must stop her!' D'Artagnan shouted. T h e n D'Artagnan had an idea, ' l know someone who
'Why?' Athos asked. 'Buckingham is English. France can help us,' he said.
is fighting England. The cardinal gave Milady a note. You' 'Who?' the musketeers asked.
should be more worried about that.' 'Lord de Winter. Milady doesn't like h i m and he doesni't
'What note?' D'Artagnan asked. like her. He went back to London at the beginning of the
'This note,' Athos said. He gave it to D'Artagnan. war. He'U tell Buckingham about her.'
'1 returned to the i n n after you left. I took it from 'That's an excellent idea,' Aramis said.
Milady.' Soon, Planchet rodé his horse from the camp. He was
He showed his friend Milady's note. D'Artagnan read going to the port of Calais. I n his pocket was a letter to
it quickly. Lord de Winter.

44 45
 10 to a house. You must stay there for a few days. It's because
England is fighting France.'
Prison 'But that's impossible. W h y must I stay i n a house? I
am English, not French,' Milady shouted.
Milady's journey to England was ftlled w i t h problems. The
'I'm sorry, Milady,' the soldier replied. 'I've got my
weather was very bad and she was five days late. Milady
orders. You must go to the house w i t h me.'
was very angry. She did not want to speak to the Duke of
Milady was very angry. She had to get out. She had to
Buckingham. She did not want h i m to stop the war. She
only wanted to k i l l h i m . get to London and find Buckingham. She looked at the
door of the carriage. But the soldier saw her.
Finally Milady arrived i n England. A soldier waited
'Don't jump, Milady,' he said. 'The carriage is moving
for her at the ship. The soldier was young and he looked
much too fast.'
very serious.
Milady could do nothing. She had to sit i n the carriage.
'Are you Milady Clarick?' he asked.
But the carriage travelled for many hours. Finally, i t
'Yes, 1 am,' she replied.
stopped at a large castle.
'I'm here to help you,' he said. Milady did not know
'Come w i t h me, please,' the soldier said. He and
the soldier, but he took her bags.
'Please,' the soldier said. 'Follow me.' Milady entered the castle. She followed h i m to a room.

Milady followed the soldier to a carriage. But she did The room was small and comfortable, but there were no
not want to get into i t . Windows.

'I'm fine,' she said. 'Thank you. I w i l l travel to London 'This is your room, Milady,' the soldier said. 'You must
alone. You don't have to help me.' stay here.'
'Please get i n the carriage,' the soldier replied. ' I won't 'It's a prison!' Milady shouted. ' W h y are you putting
hurt you. But you must come w i t h me.'
me i n a prison?'
Milady wanted to run, but there were other soldiers
'Because i t is my order,' said a man's voice. Milady
near. She could not do anything. She got into the carriage
looked behind her. Standing there was Lord de Winter,
w i t h the soldier.
her husband's brother.
The carriage left immediately. ' W h y are you doing this?' she asked.
'Where are we going?' she asked. 'Why are you i n England?' Lord de Winter asked.
'Don't worry, Milady,' the soldier replied. 'We're going Milady could not tell h i m the truth. Lord de Winter
was Buckingham's friend.
46 47
 11

Escape

The next time Felton came, Milady was on the bed. She
looked very i l l and Felton was worried.
'Tell Lord de Winter,' he said to a soldier. The soldier
found Lord de Winter and brought h i m to the room. But
de Winter looked at Milady and laughed.
'You aren't i l l , Milady,' he said. 'Felton, she is lying. Do
not believe her.'
Lord de W i n t e r was right. Milady was not i l l . She took
a knife from the table and tried to k i l l Lord de Winter!
But Lord de Winter laughed again. The knife's end was
' I came to see you,' she Ued. round and it could not k i l l anyone.
'That's very nice,' Lord de Winter said, laughing. 'But I Lord de Winter left the room. But soon Milady had
don't beUeve you. I received a letter yesterday. The letter another plan. She
said something very interesting. Is it true that you want knew that Felton
to k i l l Buckingham?' felt sorry for her.
Milady felt very angry. She knew the letter was from The next time he
Athos and the musketeers. came, she started
'Of course I don't want to k i l l Buckingham,' she said. crying.
'Someone is telling lies about me. Please let me go.' 'What's wrong?'
T m sorry, Milady,' Lord de Winter replied. 'But l don't Felton asked.
believe you. You w i l l stay here for a week or more. Felton 'Lord de Winter
w i l l look after you. If you need anything, ask Felton.' is very cruel to
Felton was the ñame of the young soldier. 'Be careful me,' Milady replied.
w i t h her,' de Winter said to him. 'She's the most dangerous 'He doesn't like me
woman i n England.' A n d then he left. because I was his

48 49
 'Where are you taking me?' Milady asked.
brother's wife. He says that I killed his brother. But it's
not true. l loved his brother. The Duke of Buckingham 'That is your choice,' Lord de Winter replied. 'Perhaps

killed my husband. He helped Lord de Winter. Lord de America or perhaps Russia. But tomorrow you will leave
Winter wanted his brother's money. If he kills me, he w i l l on a ship.'
get all the money. Felton and Lord de W i n t e r left together. Milady did
Felton did not believe her. He left the prison. But the not know what to do. How could she escape?
next day, Milady said the same thing. Was it true? Later that evening Felton woke Milady up.
'You know, this is not my first time i n prison,' Milady 'Come w i t h me,' he said. 'But you must be quiet.'
told h i m . 'Where are we going? A r e you taking me to the ship
'What do you mean?' Felton asked. now?' she asked.
'1 was once i n prison before,' she replied. 'But I did 'I'm taking you to a ship,' Felton said. 'But not de
nothing wrong.' Winter's ship.'
'Then why were you i n prison?' Felton asked. Milady followed Felton out of the castle. The moon
'Because Buckingham put me there,' Milady said. T h e n was high i n the sky. I t was very bright and she could see a
she started to cry. 'He was i n love w i t h me but 1 didn't ship i n the distance. A small boat waited near the beach.
love h i m . He put me i n prison and did terrible things to Fenton and Milady ran towards i t . Soon they were o n the
me. M y husband was dead and Lord de Winter helped ship. Milady was very happy.
Buckingham. 1 escaped and now they are scared. They
t h i n k I'U tell the King.'
'That's terrible,' Felton said. He believed Milady now.
He saw she was very beautiful. Everyone knew the Duke
of Buckingham liked beautiful women. He was a very
powerful man. He could do anything.
A t that moment, Lord de Winter came in. He had a
letter. It said:

Take MUady to the ship. If she tries to escape, kill her.

The Duke of Buckingham

51
50
 'Where is the ship taking us?' she asked Felton. 'What's wrong now, my friend?' Athos asked. 'Are you
'It w i l l take you to France. But first we must go to worried about Milady?'
Portsmouth,' Felton replied. 'No,' D'Artagnan replied. ' I ' m sad. l still don't know
'Why are we going to Portsmouth?' Milady asked. where Constance is. I may never see her again.'
'Because I'm going to k i l l Buckingham,' Felton said.
Athos smiled. 'Don't worry,' he said. ' I ' m sure you'll
'He w i l l never put you i n prison again.'
see her again.'
A n d Athos was right. That evening, a letter arrived
12 for Aramis. I t was from his cousin. She was one of the
Queen's maids. The letter said:
Milady Murders
The Queen's servant, Constance, is hiding in the convent

D'Artagnan and the musketeers were still i n La Rochelle. at Béthune. Your friend D'Artagnan can find her there.
One day, Monsieur de Treville came to visit them. Please bring her to Paris. It's safe for her now. The Queen
'Get ready to go to Paris,' he said. 'You leave today.' wants to see her again.
'But Monsieur,' Aramis said. 'We cannot leave. We are
Now D'Artagnan was very happy. The musketeers left
at war w i t h the English.'
for Béthune immediately.
'The war is finished,' Monsieur de Treville said. ' A n d
Soon after, a letter arrived for the cardinal. I t said:
Buckingham is dead. The English are leaving now.'
Porthos, Aramis and Athos were happy, but Buckingham will never leave England again. Vm going to
D'Artagnan was sad. Buckingham was dead and he knew the convent in Béthune. FU wait for your orders there.
Milady was the killer.
Milady Clarick
'Why are you sad?' Monsieur de Treville said. ' I have
some very good news for you.' T h e next day Milady arrived at the convent. The nuns
'What news, sir?' D'Artagnan asked. i n the convent were happy to see her. She told them
'The King has decided to make you a musketeer.' stories about Paris. One very pretty woman talked to her
'Hooray!' the other musketeers said. D'Artagnan felt more than the nuns. This woman was Constance.
very proud. I t was his dream to be a musketeer. But on the 'So you are from Paris,' Constance said as they sat
way to Paris, he began to feel unhappy again.
together i n Milady's room.

52 53
 'Yes, that's right,' Milady replied. T m sorry, but it's not D'Artagnan,' Milady said. 'Stay
'Do you know any of the musketeers?' Constance here. 1 must go and speak to this man. FU come back very
asked.
soon.'
'Yes, I do,' Milady replied. Milady went into the garden of the convent. Rochefort
'Do you know a musketeer called Athos?' Constance was tall and had a moustache. He smiled at Milady.
asked w i t h a smile. But she saw Milady's face and stopped 'Milady! The cardinal is very happy w i t h you. You did
smiling. I t was white. Milady looked very afraid. well i n England,' he said.
'What's wrong?' Constance asked. 'Yes, but 1 must leave here now. There is a girl here
'Nothing,' Milady replied. 'How do you know Athos?' called Constance. Her lover is D'Artagnan and he's
'He is a friend of D'Artagnan. Do you know coming here now. l must leave before D'Artagnan and
D'Artagnan?' his friends arrive,' Milady said.
Milady suddenly felt^ery angry, but happy too. N o w 'Don't worry. I've got a carriage waiting for you,'
she knew who Constance was. Rochford replied. 'The cardinal wants you to come to
'Are you i n love w i t h D'Artagnan?' Milady asked. Paris. I am leaving now so you can follow me.'
'Yes, l am,' Constance replied. 'He's the bravest soldier 'Thank you. I w i l l follow you soon,' Milady said,
in France. A n d he's coming here soon. Look.' smiling. 'But I don't want to leave Constance here. First I
Constance showed Milady a letter. The letter said: have to do something.' '
Milady returned to her room.
Your friend D'Artagnan will come for you soon. He is with
his friends. Be patient. You will be safe. 'Who was that?' Constance asked.
'It was my brother,' Milady said. 'But he had some bad
Now Milady was worried. She wanted to kill news. He said that there are problems i n La Rochelle.
D'Artagnan but she could not k i l l h i m and his friends. D'Artagnan and his friends w i l l not come here first. They
There were four of them, and only one of her. have to go to Paris.'
There was the noise of horses outside. 'Oh, no!' Constance said. ' l don't want to wait. I want
'Is i t D'Artagnan?' Constance asked. to see D'Artagnan now.'
Milady looked out of the window and shook her 'Be calm,' Milady said. 'It's not a problem. M y brother
head. I t was not D'Artagnan and the musketeers. I t was gave me a carriage. I'm leaving for Paris tonight. You can
Milady's friend, Rochefort. He was the cardinal's best come w i t h me and meet D'Artagnan there.'
musketeer.
'Oh, thank you!' Constance said.

54 55
 Constance was very happy. She talked and talked to
' W h o is it?' asked Constance.
Milady about D'Artagnan. A n d Milady listened. N o w
' I don't know,' Milady replied. But then she saw the
she had a plan. She d i d not want to take Constance to
first rider. I t was D'Artagnan. He rodé very fast. Behind
Paris. She wanted to k i l l her too.
h i m rodé Athos, Aramis and Porthos.
But first Milady and Constance had to leave the
Milady turned to Constance. ' I don't know these
convent. Milady looked out of the window. The carriage
people,' she said. 'They are strangers. You should go to
was nearly ready.
your room. They might be dangerous.'
'Let's have something to drink before we go,' said
'I'U go now,' Constance said.
Milady. She gave Constance a glass of wine. The two
Milady took her glass and filled it w i t h more wine.
women drank together. T h e n they heard the sound of
'Drink a little more,' she said. ' I t w i l l help you relax.'
horses again. Milady ran to the window.
Constance drank the wine. T h e n she went to the
window and looked down at the men.
'They aren't strangers!' she said to Milady. 'It's
D'Artagnan and the musketeers.'
But Milady was no longer i n the room.
D'Artagnan was already i n the garden. 'Constance!
Constance!' he shouted. Constance watched h i m run to
the building.
'I'm hete!' she shouted. A n d soon they were
together. D'Artagnan kissed her. Their faces were full of
happiness.
'Now we w i l l always be together,' D'Artagnan said.
'Yes, we w i l l , ' Constance replied. ' I knew she was
wrong. She wanted me to go to Paris w i t h her but...'
' W h o is sheV D'Artagnan asked.
'The woman who was here,' said Constance. ' D i d you
see her? She is leaving for Paris.'
'What was her ñame?' D'Artagnan asked.

56
57
 'Milady,' Constance replied. 'She was very nice. She
knew you and the musketeers. There she is!' Constance
pointed out of the window. 'Look! She's i n the carriage.'
Suddenly Constance felt very i l l . Her face was white
and it was difficult to speak. Slowly she fell to the floor.
'Constance!' D'Artagnan shouted. 'What's wrong?'
' l want to sleep now,' Constance replied.
'No, don't sleep,' D'Artagnan said. ' D i d Milady give
you wine to drink?'
'Yes... she did,' Constance replied. 'Oh, D'Artagnan
... l feel very i l l . Please... help me.'
The other musketeers arrived i n the room. They saw
Constance on the ground. 'What's wrong?' they asked.
'Milady was here,' D'Artagnan replied. 'She gave
Constance poison. Quick! We must save Constance.'
'I'm sorry, D'Artagnan,' Athos said. 'But there's
nothing we can do. Milady's poison is too strong.'
Athos was right. A minute later Constance was dead.
D'Artagnan held her body and started to cry. A t 'We must find her and k i l l her.'
'Yes, you're right,' D'Artagnan shouted. 'Let's find
that moment, a young man came through the door. The
musketeers turned and looked at h i m . her.'
'Lord de W i n t e r ! ' they shouted. 'But first you must rest,' Aramis said. 'We travelled
'Helio, gentlemen,' replied Lord de Winter. ' I ' m very many miles yesterday. Our horses are very tired. Tomorrow
sorry to see this. I followed Milady from Portsmouth to we w i l l find Milady.'
France. I wanted to catch her but my horse was tired. D'Artagnan wanted to leave immediately, but Aramis
Now I see I am too late.' was right. The horses needed rest. O n l y Grimaud and the
'Yes, you are,' D'Artagnan said. ' N o t h i n g can save my other servants left the convent. The four musketeers and
Constance now.' A n d then he started to cry again. Lord de Winter stayed one more night. They went to bed
'My servant Grimaud w i l l follow Milady,' Athos said. w i t h thoughts of Milady. They all wanted to k i l l her.

59
58
 the mark of a prisoner - the fleur-de-lis. I tried to k i l l her
13 but she escaped. Porthos and Aramis, what do you think?

The Truth about Milady Is Milady innocent or guilty? W h a t should we do?'

Milady started to cry. ' I don't want to die! l don't want
to die!' she shouted. But the musketeers caught her arms
The next morning, Grimaud returned to the convent.
and took her from the house. Suddenly Milady tried to
' I followed Milady and I know where she is,' he told
escape. She ran for fifty metres but then she fell. Soon the
D'Artagnan, de Winter and the other musketeers.
musketeers caught her. It was now very dark. They were
'Then we'U go now,' Athos said. A n d the five men
followed Grimaud out of the convent. next to a river.
Athos stood above her and took out his sword.
The men rodé all day. They did not speak. Soon it was
night. There was lightning and it started to rain. The five
men followed Grimaud to a small house near a river.
Athos went to the house very quietly. There was a
small window i n the wall. He looked through the window.
Milady was alone i n the room. She sat i n front of the fire.
T h e n one of the horses made a noise. Milady looked up
and saw Athos at the window. She ran to the door but she
could not escape. D'Artagnan was standing there.
'First we must decide if Milady is guilty,' Athos said.
'So, D'Artagnan, what do you want to say to this woman?
Why is she guilty?'
'She is guilty because she killed Constance,'
D'Artagnan replied. ' A n d because she sent poison to me.
A n d because she wanted to k i l l the Count de Wardes.'
Now Lord de Winter spoke. ' M y soldier Felton killed
the Duke of Buckingham,' he said. 'Milady told h i m to do
it. A n d she killed her husband, my brother.'
Finally Athos spoke. ' A n d she is guilty for one more
thing,' he said. 'She has a mark o n her shoulder. It was

61
60
 ' I pardon you for what you did,' he said. 'Die i n 'Then FU ask Milady about i t . '
peace.' 'Milady is dead sir,' said D'Artagnan.
' I pardon you for what you did,' said de Winter. Cardinal Richelieu looked very shocked. 'Dead?' he
' I pardon you for what you did,' said D'Artagnan. asked. ' W h o killed her?'
T h e n Athos dropped the sword and Milady was dead. ' I killed her,' D'Artagnan replied. 'But look, sir. I have
your note of permission i n my pocket.'
14 He gave the cardinal the piece of paper.
The person who has this note acts for the good of France.
l^he Cardinal and D'Artagnan Cardinal Richelieu, 5 December 1627

D'Artagnan watched the cardinal read the note.

Three days later the four friends returned to Paris. That
evening, Rochefort arrived. Slowly his face changed. He knew D'Artagnan was right.

'D'Artagnan,' Rochefort said. 'You must come w i t h W i t h the letter, D'Artagnan could k i l l anyone.
me. The cardinal wants to see you.' The cardinal wrote something on a piece of paper.
D'Artagnan followed Rochefort to the cardinal's office. T h e n he gave it to D'Artagnan.
He. felt nervous. T h e n he saw the cardinal and felt more 'Here,' he said. 'Take this. There is no ñame o n the
nervous. The cardinal was very angry. paper, but i t can be your ñame.'
'D'Artagnan,' he said. 'You are an enemy of France.
D'Artagnan did not understand. He looked at the
You travelled to England and met Buckingham. You
paper. The paper said:
wrote to h i m during the war...'
will be a lieutenant of the King's
' W h o said this?' D'Artagnan asked. 'Was it Milady?'
musketeers.
'Yes, it was,' the cardinal said. 'She is my best spy.' Cardinal Richelieu
'Do not believe Milady. She is a liar and a murderer,'
D'Artagnan replied. 'She married one man i n France and 'But 1 cannot be a lieutenant,' D'Artagnan said.

another man i n England. She killed my lover Constance. 'Yes, you can,' the cardinal replied. 'You are very brave.

A n d she killed her husband. She was a prisoner but she You don't have to be a lieutenant. You can give the paper
escaped. She had the fleur-de-lis on her arm.' to a friend. But I want you to be a lieutenant i n the King's

'This isn't true,' the cardinal said. musketeers. Please t h i n k about i t . '
'It is true, sir,' replied D'Artagnan. 'Yes, sir,' D'Artagnan said.

63
62
 Later that evening he saw Athos. He showed h i m the
paper.
'Athos,' D'Artagnan said. 'You are a better musketeer
than me. You must be a Ueutenant.'
'Thank you, D'Artagnan,' Athos repUed. 'But I can't
be a Ueutenant. Fm leaving the musketeers. I want to Uve
as the Count de la Fere again. Good luck.'
The next person D'Artagnan saw was Porthos.
D'Artagnan showed h i m the paper.
'Porthos,' D'Artagnan said. 'You are a better musketeer
than me. You must be a lieutenant.'
'Thank you, D'Artagnan,' Porthos replied. 'But Pm
leaving the musketeers. I'm going to marry my lover.'
There \yas one more musketeer. D'Artagnan found
Aramis i n a church.
'Aramis,' he said. 'You are a better musketeer than me.
You must be a lieutenant.'
'Thank you, D'Artagnan,' Aramis replied. 'But I can't
be a lieutenant. Pm leaving the musketeers. Pm going to
become a priest. This time l am sure.'
D'Artagnan returned to Athos's house. 'Nobody wants
to be a lieutenant,' he said to Athos. 'They all said "no".'
'That's because you are the best musketeer,' Athos But Athos looked at D'Artagnan and smiled.
replied. 'You must be the lieutenant.' 'My friend,' he said. 'You are young. You are sad now,
T h e n Athos took the paper and wrote D'Artagnan's but be patient. I n the future, you w i l l be very happy again.
ñame i n the space. I promise you.'
'But I'U have no friends,' D'Artagnan said. 'You are A n d Athos was right.
leaving. Porthos is getting married and Aramis is going to
be a priest. A n d Constance is dead.'

64 65

i
Exercises Múltiple choice
T i c k the best answer.
People in the story
1 W h y did D ' A r t a g n a n go to England?
T h e f o U o w i n g characters are in the story. Write a ñame next to a a To fight the English
description below. T h e first one is done for you. b To find Constance
c To get the Queen's diamonds /
^P'Artagnan Athos Aramis Porthos Constance Milady
d To stop M i l a d y kiUing B u c k i n g h a m
•B. C a r d i n a l Richelieu Rochefort T h e Duke o f B u c k i n g h a m
Queen A n n e The King L o r d de W i n t e r Planchet 2 W h o took Constance f r o m the castle i n St C l o u d one night?
a D'Artagnan
1 Queen Anne T h e King's wife and the lover of the
b T h e three musketeers
Duke of Buckingham.
c T h e cardinal's men
2 Is i n love w i t h Constance and wants to d Milady
be a King's musketeer.
3 W h y d i d M i l a d y w a n t to k i l l D'Artagnan?
3 A n escaped prisoner, w h o poisons a Because he stole money f r o m her
Constance. b Because he was French and she was English
4 A musketeer w h o was married to M i l a d y c Because he lied to her and k n e w she was a prisoner

and tried to k i l l her. d Because he wanted to be a musketeer for the K i n g , n o t the cardinal

5 D'Artagnan's servant. 4 W h o died f r o m poisoned wine?

a Constance o n l y
6 T h e Queen's maid, w h o is i n love w i t h
b Constance and D ' A r t a g n a n
D'Artagnan.
c Constance and a soldier
7 T h e other powerful frenchman w h o also has d Constance and M i l a d y
special musketeers.
5 W h o k i l l e d M i l a d y and how?
8 Anne's husband, w h o gave her diamonds. a D ' A r t a g n a n w i t h a gun
9 T h e brother of Milady's husband. b A t h o s w i t h a sword
c D ' A r t a g n a n w i t h poison
10 A r i c h English m a n w h o is Anne's lover
d A t h o s w i t h a knife
and is k i l l e d .
6 W h o became a lieutenant of the King's musketeers'?
11 O n e of the musketeers, w h o becomes a
a Athos
priest at the end of the story.
b Porthos
12 O n e o f the musketeers, w h o is going to c Aramis
marry his lover at the end of the story. d D'Artagnan
13 Milady's friend and the cardinal's best
musketeer.

66 67
The author Grammar: superlatives and comparatives
Choose the correct information to complete the sentences. Complete the sentences with either the superlative form (eg most +
adjective / adjective + -est) or comparative form (eg more + adjective /
1 T h e author A l e x a n d r e Dumas was English / (French?)
adjective + -er) of the adjective in brackets. T h e first two questions are
2 Dumas w e n t / d i d n o t go t o school.
examples.
3 Dumas wrote m o d e r n / historical plays and books.
1 A t h o s said t h a t D A r t a g n a n was a k^.V^. (good)
4 Dumas's son / daughter was also a writer. musketeer t h a n h i m .

5 Dumas also lived i n Russia / Spain. 2 T h e K i n g was the Vpf}?}^ ( r i c h ) man i n France.

6 Dumas died i n 1802 / 1870. 3 Buckingham's jeweller was the (fast) and
(good) jeweller i n a l l of England.
Vocabulary: people 4 D ' A r t a g n a n was the (excited) m a n i n Paris o n

T h e r e are many nouns in the story w h i c h are types of people. Complete the e v e n i n g t h a t he was going t o meet Constance at St C l o u d .
the gaps with letters to make a word w h i c h is a type of person. T h e first 5 O n l y the very (brave) soldiers could be the King's
one is done for you.
musketeers.
1 T h e opposite o f a friend is a n e n e tn y. 6 W h e n D ' A r t a g n a n k n e w the t r u t h about Milady, he understood t h a t

2 Someone w h o does s o m e t h i n g w r o n g and goes t o prison is a Constance was (nice) and

p r. (beautiful) t h a n her.

3 A person whose j o b is to fight i n a war i s a s r. 7 M i l a d y t o l d the cardinal that he was the

(powerful) man i n all o f France, even (powerful)
4 A person w h o makes rings and necklaces i s a j r.
t h a n the K i n g .
5 A person w h o steals is a t f
8 G o i n g t o l o o k at the English camp d u r i n g the war was one o f the
6 A person w h o worked for a r i c h person i n their home was a (dangerous) things t h a t the general could ask
s t. D ' A r t a g n a n t o do.

7 A n i m p o r t a n t person i n the ( C a t h o l i c ) c h u r c h is a p t. 9 A f t e r helping the Queen by bringing her the diamonds, D ' A r t a g n a n
was the ( h a p p y ) person i n the palace.
8 A person w h o is i n love with another b u t is not married to them is

their 1 r. 10 A r a m i s w i l l probably have a ( q u i e t ) Ufe as a

priest t h a n as a musketeer. •
9 A person w h o does n o t t e l l the t r u t h is a 1 r.
11 Porthos t o l d the traveller t h a t the K i n g was a
10 A person w h o kills another is a m r.
(good) m a n t h a n the cardinal.

12 I t was (dangerous) for D ' A r t a g n a n t o go t o

England t h a n for h i m to stay in France.

68 69
 Vocabulary: verbs + nouns 6 D ' A r t a g n a n was angry / worried / sad / happy w h e n Constance was n o t
at the castle at l O p m to meet h i m - he t h o u g h t something was w r o n g .
Match a verb and noun together to make an expression from the story.
T h e first one is done for you. 7 D ' A r t a g n a n was scared / i m p a t i e n t / happy / excited w h e n M i l a d y asked
h i m to k i l l the C o u n t de Wardes.
1 get on a gun
8 W h e n Milady's journey to England became five days late because of bad
2 tell a question weather, she was very nervous / happy / i m p a t i e n t / scared.
3 point - a horse

4 climb diamonds
Making questions
5 ask L o o k at the example, then use question words {who/uihy/what/uihere/
the bilí
when/how, etc) to complete the questions for the answers shown.
6 wear a lie
: Example: Who \note The Three Musketeersl
7 pay prison
A l e x a n d r e Dumas wrote The Three Musketeers. ^JÜH
8 escape from a tree
Ql does the story happen?
Al lnl625.
Vocabulary: adjectives to describe feelings
Q2 country is D ' A r t a g n a n from?
Choose the best adjective to describe how the characters fek in the A2 France.
story.
Q3 many diamonds does C a r d i n a l Richelieu show
1 D ' A r t a g n a n feels (nervous) / angry / happy / excited w h e n C a r d i n a l the King?
Richelieu calis h i m to his office. H e does n o t k n o w w h a t the cardinal is A3 C a r d i n a l Richelieu shows the K i n g t w o diamonds.
going t o say, b u t i t is probably bad news.
Q4 does the soldier die?
2 C a r d i n a l Richelieu knows t h a t the K i n g w i l l be angry / i m p a t i e n t / A4 T h e soldier dies because he drinks poison.
frightened / nervous if he learns that the Queen gave the diamonds to
Q5 do the French fight the English?
her lover.
A5 A t La Rochelle.
3 D ' A r t a g n a n is frightened / happy / surprised / angry that the Queen can
Q6 does the Q u e e n give D ' A r t a g n a n as a present?
wear the diamonds at the dance.
A6 A ring.
4 M i l a d y suddenly becomes very frightened / angry / happy / excited
Q7 brother is L o r d de W i n t e r ?
when D ' A r t a g n a n tells her that her lover d i d n o t receive the letters she
A7 Lord de W i n t e r is Milady's husband's brother.
wrote t o h i m .
Q8 long does Porthos stay at the inn?
5 Constance was excited / frightened / i m p a t i e n t / sad w h e n the
A8 H e stays there for a week.
cardinal's m e n took her from the castle at n i g h t .

70 71