Twenty Years After · Chapter
How d'Artagnan, on Going to a Distance to Discover Aramis, Discovers His Old Friend on Horseback Behind His Own Planchet explained
D'Artagnan, accompanied by his servant Planchet, sets out for Noisy to find Aramis.
What happens
D'Artagnan, accompanied by his servant Planchet, sets out for Noisy to find Aramis. Along the way, they encounter a band of armed men lying in ambush, who mistake d'Artagnan for someone else. After a tense confrontation, the leader recognizes d'Artagnan's Gascon accent and withdraws his men. D'Artagnan and Planchet continue to the Jesuits' convent, where they unexpectedly find Aramis, who leaps onto Planchet's horse, leading to a dramatic reunion.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
D'Artagnan's determination to find Aramis and their eventual reunion highlight the enduring bonds of friendship.
Class and Ambition
D'Artagnan reflects on his own ambitions compared to those of higher-born figures like Madame de Longueville and Aramis.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Travels to Noisy to find Aramis, confronts an ambush, and reunites with his old friend.
- Planchet
Accompanies d'Artagnan as his servant, transformed by new clothes, and carries Aramis on his horse.
- Aramis
Discovered by d'Artagnan at the Jesuits' convent; jumps onto Planchet's horse for a surprise reunion.
- Madame de Longueville
Mentioned as residing at the Archbishop of Paris's house in Noisy; her name sparks d'Artagnan's reflections.
Key passages
“Our blow has failed for tonight; let us withdraw. We shall meet again, Master d'Artagnan, continued the leader, raising his voice. Yes, but never with the same advantages, said d'Artagnan, in a tone of raillery; for when you meet me again you will perhaps be alone and there will be daylight.”
The ambush leader admits defeat for the night, promising to encounter d'Artagnan again, but d'Artagnan retorts that next time the odds may be more even.
Shows d'Artagnan's courage and wit in the face of danger.
“No, no, dear d'Artagnan, said the figure, 'tis not the devil, 'tis Aramis; gallop fast, Planchet, and when you come to the end of the village turn swiftly to the left.”
Aramis reveals himself to d'Artagnan, instructing Planchet to ride quickly and turn left at the village edge.
The dramatic and unexpected reunion of the two friends.