In the meantime Porthos was curious to behold.

He imagined he had discovered a clew to the secret, and he felt pleased, because a visit to Athos, in the first place, promised him much satisfaction, and, in the next, gave him the hope of finding at the same time a good bed and good supper.

The master, having got the carriage ready, ordered one of his men to drive the strangers to La Fere.

Porthos took his seat by the side of Aramis, whispering in his ear, "I understand." "Aha!" said Aramis, "and what do you understand, my friend ?" "We are going, on the part of the king, to make some great proposal to Athos." "Pooh!" said Aramis.
"You need tell me nothing about it," added the worthy Porthos, endeavoring to reseat himself so as to avoid the jolting, "you need tell me nothing, I shall guess." "Well! do, my friend; guess away." They arrived at Athos's dwelling about nine o'clock in the evening, favored by a splendid moon.

This cheerful light rejoiced Porthos beyond expression; but Aramis appeared annoyed by it in an equal degree.