On the road to Meune, Dogtanian is insulted by a cavalier with a black moustache, who calls him a country bumpkin. Sandy is too slow to catch up to his black horse, but when Dogtanian stops at an inn in Meune he discovers the man is his fellow-guest. He demands a duel, which is interrupted by the arrival of Milady. The man with the black moustache, who is anxious to keep his identity a secret, instructs Milady to go to England and spy on the Duke of Buckingham, who is suspected of having an affair with the Queen of France. Dogtanian is struck by the beauty of Milady. He demands to continue the duel, but the cavalier's squire and the innkeeper beat him to within an inch of his life. His money is taken to pay the innkeeper and the mysterious man takes his letter of introduction to Monsieur Treville. Dogtanian is badly hurt, but recovers with the help of the healing ointment his mother gave to him. He recovers his sword, which is being used as a kebab skewer, but must leave Sandy behin