In fact, looking at the place to which Athos pointed, D’Artagnan saw a cavalier coming toward the house at full gallop.
It was Mordaunt.
D’Artagnan rushed out of the room.
Porthos wanted to follow him.
“Stay,” said D’Artagnan, “and do not come till you hear me drum my fingers on the door.”
When Mordaunt arrived opposite the house he saw D’Artagnan on the threshold and the soldiers lying on the grass here and there, with their arms.
“Halloo!” he cried, “are the prisoners still there?”
“Yes, sir,” answered the sergeant, uncovering.
“’Tis well; order four men to conduct them to my lodging.”
Four men prepared to do so.