The young men sprang up, and seized their
muskets.
Besides, said Aramis, God desires the conversion
and notthe death of a sinner.
I would not give up this paper if covered withas
many gold pieces. I would not give up this paper if covered withas many gold
pieces.
Nothing can be said; let us be off, gentlemen,let
us be off! My dear Athos, I shall no longer count the number of timesI am indebted
to you for my life.
They arrived at the drinking room of the
Parpaillot. Well, I will go toEngland a second time; I will go and find Buckingham.
You see, they are going to send a whole regiment againstus, said Athos. Upon my
word, the drum draws near, said dArtagnan. We have just time to finish this fowl and
to drinkone glass of wine to your health, dArtagnan.
Well, then, said dArtagnan, gaily, let us sell
thediamond, and say no more about it. Yes, that is true as the Gospel, said Porthos;
I heardher with my own ears.
Besides, in addition to the pioneers,there are four
soldiers and a brigadier, armed withmuskets.
We are much more likely to be killed, said Athos,
if wedo not go. Yes; but at that period we were not at war. Grimaud and his basket
were far in advance, out of the rangeof the balls.
Yes, said dArtagnan; but we shall indubitably
attract aball.
That paper must be torn to pieces, said dArtagnan,
whofancied he read in it his sentence of death. Grimaud was already ahead, with the
basket and the dessert. The four friends listened, and the sound of the drum
plainlyreached them.
Ah, butwhat is the matter with your hand,
dArtagnan? My faith, said dArtagnan to Athos, you had a triumphantidea!