# LXI: D’Artagnan Hits on a Plan explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

D'Artagnan devises a plan to rescue King Charles I by befriending Captain Groslow, a conceited and stupid officer guarding the king. He arranges a card game in the king's room, using the game as a distraction to draw the guards away from their posts. The four friends position themselves strategically, and as the game progresses, they prepare to act.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

The four musketeers work together to rescue King Charles I, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty to each other and to the king.

### Revenge and Justice

D'Artagnan's plan aims to thwart the unjust imprisonment and trial of King Charles I, seeking a form of justice against the Parliamentarians.

## Character check-ins

### D'Artagnan

Devises a plan to rescue King Charles I by befriending Captain Groslow and arranging a card game as a distraction.

### Porthos

Participates in the card game, losing money, but follows D'Artagnan's cues.

### Athos

Plays cards with Groslow, maintaining calm while preparing for the rescue.

### Aramis

Plays cards with Groslow, fumbling with his hidden dagger in anticipation.

### Groslow

The English captain guarding the king; D'Artagnan manipulates him through flattery and gambling.

### Charles Stuart

The imprisoned king, aware of the friends' presence and their plan.

### Parry

The king's lackey, reads a biblical verse to signal understanding of the plan.

### Grimaud

Lies on a truss of straw across the doorway to guard the friends' lodging.

## Key lines

> “Really, captain,” said d’Artagnan, determined to continue on the laudatory tack on which he had commenced, “the more I listen to you the more surprised I am at the easy and elegant manner in which you speak French.”

D'Artagnan flatters Groslow by praising his French, continuing his strategy to win the captain's trust.

_D'Artagnan uses flattery to manipulate Groslow._

> “You asked me just now if I was in funds,” said d’Artagnan, placing some twenty pistoles upon the table. “Well, in my turn I advise you to keep a sharp lookout on your treasure , my dear Monsieur Groslow, for I can tell you we shall not leave this without robbing you of it.”

D'Artagnan warns Groslow that he intends to win his money, hinting at the upcoming rescue.

_D'Artagnan's double entendre signals the plan to both friends and the king._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxi-d-artagnan-hits-on-a-plan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters