The Man in the Iron Mask Chapter Thirty-Two: Captive and Jailers Summary

  • The governor prepares to receive his guests.
  • Athos asks D'Artagnan for an explanation when they have a moment of privacy.
  • D'Artagnan explains that they attached because they thought the two visitors were in collusion with the prisoner.
  • Athos reveals that he knows the deal regarding the prisoner.
  • D'Artagnan is upset that his friends know the royal secret because it jeopardizes their safety.
  • The governor returns. He is still suspicious, but Athos and Raoul are careful not to let their cover slip.
  • D'Artagnan tells the governor that the Spaniards are here to take in the sights. The governor tells them they are more than welcome to do so.
  • In privacy, Athos and Raoul tell D'Artagnan that their visit is a good-bye visit, because Raoul will soon be fighting in Africa.
  • Athos reveals to D'Artagnan in secrecy that Raoul will die of a broken heart. Athos admits that he cannot bear to see his son die.
  • D'Artagnan is convinced that Raoul might yet be saved, and goes to chat with the man.
  • Raoul asks if D'Artagnan could possibly forward a letter to Mademoiselle de la Valliere.
  • D'Artagnan tells Raoul that La Valliere was following her heart in becoming the King's mistress.
  • Raoul's grief is not assuaged.
  • D'Artagnan tells Raoul that if he goes to see La Valliere, and looks at her with the "eyes of a jealous man," he will stop loving her because he will realize that she can never belong to him.
  • Raoul replies that he can never see her again then, because he wants to love her forever.
  • He shows D'Artagnan the letter he has written to La Valliere.
  • D'Artagnan suggests shortening the letter to: "Mademoiselle: Instead of cursing you, I love you, and I die."
  • Raoul agrees with D'Artagnan's editorial suggestions, and asks D'Artagnan to make sure the letter makes its way to La Valliere after he is dead.
  • On their way back, they spy a vessel being tossed about the Mediterranean. D'Artagnan confesses it was the carriage case used to transport the man in the iron mask.
  • Athos suggests that D'Artagnan burn it to eradicate all evidence.
  • As they walk back to the fort, the prisoner is returning from chapel. He is clothed in black and masked with steel.
  • The prisoner screams that he would like to be called Accursed.