“Then the only question left is that of the penalty.”
“Let them die; it is the reward of sacrilege!” said Aramis coldly.
“Nay, they mean no evil; they probably know not what they do,” said Athos. “These poor knaves must live.”
“And I say they must die!” repeated Aramis.
The eyes of Aramis and Athos met, and both turned deathly pale.
“A quarrel?” asked Athos, with the delicate intonation of a royal prince.
Porthos and D’Artagnan waited in breathless suspense for the answer of Aramis.
“Heaven forbid!” cried the musketeer. “’Twill be time for that when we are back again on the shores of Styx. Duty first, pleasure afterwards.”
Athos bowed, and all four friends caressed each other warmly.
Porthos ordered more wine.