“Let us try,” said Aramis.
D’Artagnan went to the parapet, leaned over towards the steps of the mole, and called the officer, who immediately came up. “Monsieur,” said D’Artagnan, after having exchanged the cordial courtesies natural between gentlemen who know and appreciate each other, “monsieur, if I wished to take away these gentlemen from here, what would you do?”
“I should not oppose it, monsieur; but having direct explicit orders to put them under guard, I should detain them.”
“Ah!” said D’Artagnan.
“That’s all over,” said Aramis, gloomily. Porthos did not stir.
“But still take Porthos,” said the bishop of Vannes. “He can prove to the king, and I will help him do so, and you too, Monsieur d’Artagnan, that he had nothing to do with this affair.”
“Hum!” said D’Artagnan. “Will you come? Will you follow me, Porthos? The king is merciful.”
“I want time for reflection,” said Porthos.
“You will remain here, then?”
“Until fresh orders,” said Aramis, with vivacity.