“Say by a diamond, Aramis. But the thing is done. How do you think of acting?”
“I am taking away Porthos. The king will never believe that that worthy man has acted innocently. He never can believe that Porthos has thought he was serving the king, whilst acting as he has done. His head would pay my fault. It shall not, must not, be so.”
“You are taking him away, whither?”
“To Belle-Isle, at first. That is an impregnable place of refuge. Then, I have the sea, and a vessel to pass over into England, where I have many relations.”
“You? in England?”
“Yes, or else in Spain, where I have still more.”
“But, our excellent Porthos! you ruin him, for the king will confiscate all his property.”
“All is provided for. I know how, when once in Spain, to reconcile myself with Louis XIV., and restore Porthos to favor.”
“You have credit, seemingly, Aramis!” said Athos, with a discreet air.
“Much; and at the service of my friends.”