As to Athos, he went out without any mystery, took his horse, which was tied with those of his friends to the fastenings of the shutters, in four words convinced the attendant of the necessity of a vanguard for their return, carefully examined the priming of his pistols, drew his sword, and took, like a forlorn hope, the road to the camp.
Quant à Athos, il sortit sans aucun mystère, alla prendre son cheval attaché avec ceux de ses deux amis aux tourniquets des contrevents, convainquit en quatre mots l'écuyer de la nécessité d'une avant-garde pour le retour, visita avec affectation l'amorce de ses pistolets, mit l'épée aux dents et suivit, en enfant perdu, la route qui conduisait au camp.