Athos tried to find a passage through the heaps of linen and plate.
“Ah! step over, step over!” said the duke, offering a full glass to Athos. The latter drank it; Raoul scarcely moistened his lips.
“Here is your commission,” said the prince to Raoul. “I had prepared it, reckoning upon you. You will go before me as far as Antibes.”
“Yes, monseigneur.”
“Here is the order.” And De Beaufort gave Raoul the order. “Do you know anything of the sea?”
“Yes, monseigneur; I have traveled with M. le Prince.”
“That is well. All these barges and lighters must be in attendance to form an escort and carry my provisions. The army must be prepared to embark in a fortnight at the very latest.”
“That shall be done, monseigneur.”
“The present order gives you the right to visit and search all the isles along the coast; you will there make the enrolments and levies you may want for me.”
“Yes, monsieur le duc.”