The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
68: d’Artagnan Continues His Investigations explained
D'Artagnan, disguised as M.
What happens
D'Artagnan, disguised as M. Agnan, continues his investigation of Belle-Isle. He travels to the port of Piriac, where he observes barges carrying stones from Nantes and Paimboeuf to Belle-Isle, ostensibly for repairs to M. Fouquet's castle. He engages with local fishermen, who boast of Belle-Isle's fortifications, garrison of 1,700 men, and newly built corsairs. D'Artagnan feigns ignorance and seasickness to join them on a fishing trip that will bring him close to the island, all while gathering intelligence on Fouquet's activities.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
D'Artagnan's disguise as M. Agnan and his feigned ignorance to extract information from the locals exemplify the theme of deception and espionage.
Power and Ambition
Fouquet's extensive fortifications, garrison, and construction of corsairs at Belle-Isle reveal his ambitious consolidation of power, which threatens the crown.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Disguised as M. Agnan, he investigates Belle-Isle, questioning locals and fishermen about stone shipments, fortifications, and corsairs.
- Nicolas Fouquet
Mentioned as the owner of Belle-Isle, whose castle is being repaired and who is building corsairs; the subject of d'Artagnan's investigation.
Key passages
“The musketeer sifted all he possibly could out of the host, who he found cunning, mistrustful, and devoted, body and soul, to M. Fouquet.”
D'Artagnan tried to extract information from the innkeeper, but found him shrewd, suspicious, and completely loyal to Fouquet.
Highlights d'Artagnan's investigative approach and the loyalty Fouquet commands.
“It appeared strange to d'Artagnan, that stones should be leaving a country where none are found.”
D'Artagnan found it odd that stones were being shipped from a region that had no quarries.
D'Artagnan's suspicion is aroused by the unusual stone shipments to Belle-Isle.
“The shortest road from one place to another is a straight line,' continued d'Artagnan. 'You forget the tide, Monsieur.'”
D'Artagnan argued for a direct route, but the fisherman countered by pointing out the need to account for tides.
Illustrates d'Artagnan's persistence and the fisherman's practical knowledge.
“The party of pleasure had made him forget his diplomatic mission. He was struggling with a very large conger...”
D'Artagnan became so absorbed in fishing that he momentarily forgot his espionage mission.
Shows d'Artagnan's human side and the tension between duty and enjoyment.
“'Take care they don't see you from Belle-Isle!' These words produced the same effect upon d'Artagnan as the hissing of the first bullet on a day of battle.”
The fisherman's warning jolted d'Artagnan back to his mission, like the sound of a bullet in combat.
Emphasizes the sudden return to danger and purpose.