“It is only to poets that such things happen,” said Athos, gravely.

“Well, in that case, we can manage famously,” said d’Artagnan; “which of the two horses will you ride — that which you bought or the one that was given to you?”

“That which was given to me, assuredly. You cannot for a moment imagine, d’Artagnan, that I would commit such an offense toward — ”

“The unknown giver,” interrupted d’Artagnan.

“Or the mysterious benefactress,” said Athos.

“The one you bought will then become useless to you?”

“Nearly so.”