Twenty Years After · Chapter
XXX: Skirmishing explained
Raoul and the Count de Guiche travel toward the front lines of the war, sharing stories of court and adventure.
What happens
Raoul and the Count de Guiche travel toward the front lines of the war, sharing stories of court and adventure. After a brief halt at Noyon and a night in Arras, they set out on a crossroad toward Bethune. Their tutor, Monsieur d'Arminges, urges caution, but the young men charge into a wood when they hear shots. They find Spanish soldiers attacking travelers, and in the ensuing skirmish Raoul is wounded and pinned under his horse, but de Guiche saves him. They capture one Spaniard and examine the victims.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Raoul and de Guiche form a strong bond during the journey, sharing stories and risking their lives for each other in the skirmish.
Honor and Duty
The young men feel compelled to charge into danger to defend the attacked travelers, despite the tutor's orders to retreat.
Class and Ambition
De Guiche's tales of court life and his criticism of nobles highlight the social hierarchies and ambitions that drive the characters.
Characters to notice
- Raoul
Travels with de Guiche; wounded in the arm during the skirmish; shows courage and quick thinking.
- Count de Guiche
Young, impulsive companion of Raoul; saves Raoul's life by capturing a Spaniard; shares stories of court life.
- Athos
Mentioned as the Comte de la Fère; Raoul recalls his advice and compares the tutor's erudition to Athos's.
- Grimaud
Left behind at Ablain; a statement of the route is left for him; does not appear in the chapter.
- Olivain
Raoul's servant; protects the rear and later helps raise the horse.
- Planchet
Mentioned as one of de Guiche's servants; called upon during the charge.
- Madame de Chevreuse
Mentioned in de Guiche's gossip about court; Raoul feels sympathy for her.
Key passages
“The young warriors decided to continue their way toward Bethune, free on the road to diverge to the right and march to Carvin if necessary.”
The young men resolved to keep heading toward Bethune, but they could also turn right toward Carvin if needed.
Shows their flexibility in route planning as they approach the war zone.
“De Guiche, who was young and impulsive, said to Raoul, “Here we are, three masters and three servants. Our valets are well armed and yours seems to be tough enough.””
De Guiche, youthful and eager, pointed out to Raoul that they had three masters and three servants, all well-armed, and praised Raoul's servant as sturdy.
Highlights the youthful bravado and the preparation for potential combat.
““Holloa! young people—stop there!” said the tutor, joining in the conversation. “Zounds! how you manoeuvre my instructions, count! You seem to forget the orders I received to conduct you safe and sound to His Highness the prince!””
The tutor interrupted, exclaiming that the count was ignoring his orders to deliver them safely to the prince.
Illustrates the tension between youthful daring and the tutor's cautious duty.
““At them!” cried Raoul. “At them!” echoed de Guiche. “Oh! gentlemen! gentlemen! in the name of Heaven!” cried the poor tutor.”
Raoul and de Guiche shouted to attack, while the tutor desperately begged them to stop.
Captures the moment of decision to charge into the ambush despite the tutor's pleas.
““Faith, sir,” said Raoul, smiling, although his pallor betrayed the excitement consequent on a first affair, “you are in a great hurry to pay your debts and have not been long under any obligation to me. Without your aid,” continued he, repeating the count’s words “I should have been a dead man—thrice dead.””
Raoul smiled, though pale from his first battle, and joked that de Guiche was quick to repay a debt, saving his life.
Shows Raoul's composure and gratitude after the skirmish.
