Raoul presenting his pistol threw himself on the
leader, commanding the coachman to stop.—Page [288].
Raoul hung his head and said not a word more. Athos descended from the carriage and mounted the horse which had brought Porthos, and which seemed no little pleased at the exchange. Then they embraced, clasped each other's hands, interchanged a thousand pledges of eternal friendship. Porthos promised to spend a month with Athos at the first opportunity. D'Artagnan engaged to take advantage of his first leave of absence; and then, having embraced Raoul for the last time: "To you, my boy," said he, "I will write." Coming from D'Artagnan, who he knew wrote but very seldom, these words expressed everything. Raoul was moved even to tears. He tore himself away from the musketeer and departed.
D'Artagnan rejoined Porthos in the carriage. "Well," said he, "my dear friend, what a day we have had!"
"Indeed we have," answered Porthos.
"You must be quite worn out?"
"Not quite; however, I shall retire early to rest, so as to be ready to-morrow."
"And wherefore?"
"Why, to complete what I have begun."