Chapter 46: The Bastion Saint-Gervais

Summary

     The next day, the three friends summon d’Artagnan to tell him about their cardinal-filled adventure, and decide to head over to a tavern called the Parpaillot, because it is private and hard to be overheard in. They randomly drag along Grimaud, who is still not allowed to speak. Unfortunately, they arrive at the breakfast rush hour, and the tavern is packed. Random strangers keep being annoying and joining in their conversation even when they start with small talk that no one should care about. This random Swiss man who likes to swear in French and has a hilariously weird accent wants to make a “vager” with them. Athos decides to bet that the Fearsome Four will eat breakfast in the bastion St. Gervais (an enemy campsite that has recently been the site of an intense skirmish). A dragoon and this guy named M. de Busigny join in the wager, and all of them seal the deal. Athos’s idea is that now they will have an excuse for being seen together and also will have privacy. Good thinking, Athos! Porthos worries about their lack of weapons. Continuing his trend of awesome one-liners, Athos replies, “you are stupid, friend Porthos.” Athos suggests that they take guns and other weapons from the dead bodies lying at the bastion, so they will again be safe without looking suspicious by bringing weapons. The other three praise his intelligence. Soon, they reach the bastion. When Grimaud realizes what they are doing – having a picnic in enemy territory, he hesitates before entering until Athos threatens him. The Swiss man and the dragoon and quite a few others gather outside the gate to cheer the Fearsome Four (and poor Grimaud) on.

Reaction

     This chapter was again, brief, but a delight to read. I love Dumas’s randomly strange and amusing characters and Athos being witty again. Though Dumas tends to make a simple transition into a whole chapter! I mean, d’Artagnan still hasn’t been told about the events from the last chapter. My favorite lines were those from the Swiss man. I have no idea what a Swiss person would sound like when speaking French, but Dumas’s portrayal is funny: "‘Gentlemen,’ said Athos, ‘a wager!’ ‘Ah, wooi, a vager!’ cried the Swiss…'You was right,’ said the Swiss; ‘goose grease is kood with basdry.’…Will that do?’ [asked Athos]. ‘Capitally,’ replied M. de Busigny. ‘Perfectly,’ said the dragoon. ‘That shoots me,’ said the Swiss.” Ah, weird accents and messed up idioms never get old.