Porthos next made an effort which shook the solid wall, and by the aid of his friend’s hand gained the summit.
“I didn’t understand it all,” he said, “but I understand now; how droll it is!”
“You think so? so much the better; but that it may prove laughter-worthy even to the end, let us not lose time.” And he jumped off the wall.
Porthos did the same.
“Attend to monsieur le cardinal, gentlemen,” said D’Artagnan; “for myself, I will reconnoitre.”
The Gascon then drew his sword and marched as avant guard.
“My lord,” he said, “which way do we go? Think well of your reply, for should your eminence be mistaken, there might ensue most grave results for all of us.”
“Along the wall, sir,” said Mazarin, “there will be no danger of losing yourselves.”
The three friends hastened on, but in a short time were obliged to slacken the pace. The cardinal could not keep up with them, though with every wish to do so.
Suddenly D’Artagnan touched something warm, which moved.