The first squadron moved off; the second followed, and descended from the plateau. A regiment of cuirassiers, nearly equal as to numbers, issued from behind the hill and came full gallop toward it.
The king pointed this out.
“Sire,” said Athos, “we foresaw this; and if Lord Winter’s men but do their duty, we are saved, instead of lost.”
At this moment they heard above all the galloping and neighing of the horses Winter’s voice crying out:
“Sword in hand!”
At these words every sword was drawn, and glittered in the air like lightning.
“Now, gentlemen,” said the king in his turn, excited by this sight, “come, gentlemen, sword in hand!”
But Aramis and Athos were the only ones to obey this command and the king’s example.
“We are betrayed,” said the king in a low voice.
“Wait a moment,” said Athos, “perhaps they do not recognize your majesty’s voice, and await the order of their captain.”