Twenty Years After · Chapter
LXV: The Workmen explained
As the scaffold is built outside the king's window, Parry discovers that the workmen are actually Athos and Porthos, who are creating a trapdoor for the king's escape.
What happens
As the scaffold is built outside the king's window, Parry discovers that the workmen are actually Athos and Porthos, who are creating a trapdoor for the king's escape. Aramis, disguised as a deacon, gains entry with Bishop Juxon and informs the king that the London executioner has vanished and Athos is below preparing a way. However, a parliamentary officer arrives to read the death sentence, announcing that a substitute executioner has been found. The king prepares for death, while Aramis and Athos have coordinated a desperate plan involving a hidden passage and a fight to save the king.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
The four friends risk their lives to save the king, demonstrating unwavering loyalty through coordinated efforts and personal sacrifice.
Revenge and Justice
Aramis vows to hold men responsible for the king's death, hinting at future revenge against those who drive the king to martyrdom.
Characters to notice
- Athos
Works as a workman on the scaffold, boring a hole in the wall to create a trapdoor for the king's escape; communicates with Aramis and gives final instructions.
- Porthos
Assists Athos in boring the hole and is part of the escape plan; later changes into his red doublet.
- Aramis
Disguised as a deacon, gains entry with Bishop Juxon to inform the king of the escape plan; coordinates with Athos and prepares to fight if necessary.
- D'Artagnan
Changes out of workman's clothes into his chestnut-colored suit; tasked with guarding the executioner and devising audacious plans.
- Charles Stuart
The king, awaiting execution; learns of the escape plan but also receives the death sentence; prepares for martyrdom with dignity.
- Parry
The king's servant; discovers Athos and Porthos among the workmen and reports to the king; assists in the escape plan.
Key passages
“Sire, you are saved; the London executioner has vanished. His assistant broke his leg last night beneath Your Majesty's window—the cry we heard was his—and there is no executioner nearer at hand than Bristol.”
Aramis tells the king that the executioner is missing and his assistant is injured, so no one nearby can carry out the execution.
Aramis informs the king of the escape opportunity.
“It is the Comte de la Fère and his friends.”
Parry reveals that the workmen building the scaffold are actually Athos and his companions.
Parry identifies the disguised friends to the king.