"Let us try," said Aramis.
D'Artagnan came to the parapet, leaned over toward the steps of the mole, and called the officer, who immediately came up. "Monsieur," said D'Artagnan, after having exchanged the most cordial courtesies, natural between gentlemen, who know and appreciate each other worthily—"monsieur, if I wished to take away these gentlemen from this place, what would you do?"
"I should not oppose it, monsieur; but having direct orders, formal orders, to take them under my guard, I should detain them."
"Ah!" said D'Artagnan.
"That's all over," said Aramis, gloomily. Porthos did not stir.
"But still take Porthos," said the bishop of Vannes; "he can prove to the king, I will help him in doing so, and you also can, M. d'Artagnan, that he has had nothing to do in this affair."
"Hum!" said D'Artagnan. "Will you come? Will you follow me, Porthos? The king is merciful."
"I beg to reflect," said Porthos, nobly.
"You will remain here, then?"
"Until fresh orders," said Aramis, with vivacity.