The Man in the Iron Mask Chapter Thirty-Eight: Friendly Advice Summary

  • Fouquet is not well.
  • When D'Artagnan shows up at his door, he asks if it is now time for the arrest.
  • D'Artagnan reassures Fouquet and tells him that when the time comes, he will announce his intentions loudly.
  • Fouquet compliments D'Artagnan on his intelligence and heart.
  • He then tells the captain about the race between the two boats. D'Artagnan agrees that does not bode well.
  • D'Artagnan fills Fouquet in on the King's latest orders. They include forbidding any person, horse, or vehicle to leave Nantes without royal permission.
  • Using very careful language, D'Artagnan tells Fouquet that this order goes into effect only once the King has arrived, and that Fouquet should bolt immediately and make for Belle-Isle.
  • As soon as D'Artagnan leaves, Fouquet flies into action and attempts to flee.
  • It is too late, however. Trumpets announce the arrival of the King.
  • D'Artagnan comes by again, saying that the King is inquiring after Fouquet's health.
  • D'Artagnan points out that now that the King has arrived no one can leave.