Grimaud silently nodded, and showed them a dozen dead men, arranged skillfully in various attitudes, some porting arms, some taking aim, others drawing their swords.
"Well done!" exclaimed Athos, "it does honor to your imagination."
"If it is all the same to you," said Porthos, "I should like to understand what is going on."
"Let us get away first," replied D'Artagnan, "and you will understand after."
"One moment, please! Give Grimaud time to clear away the breakfast."
"Ah!" said Aramis; "the red and black specks are becoming more distinct, and I agree with D'Artagnan that we have no time to lose before we regain the camp."
"Very well," rejoined Athos, "I have nothing to say against retreating. The wager was for an hour, and we have been here an hour and a half. Let us be off at once."
The four comrades went out at the back, following Grimaud, who had already departed with the basket.
"Oh!" cried Athos, stopping suddenly, "what the devil is to be done?"
"Has anything been forgotten?" asked Aramis.