He explained how, after that departure, the new leader of the expedition had ordered a surprise upon Belle-Isle.

There his explanations stopped.

Aramis and Porthos exchanged a glance that evinced their despair.

No more dependence to be placed now on D'Artagnan's fertile imagination--no further resource in the event of defeat.

Aramis, continuing his interrogations, asked the prisoner what the leaders of the expedition contemplated doing with the leaders of Belle-Isle.
"The orders are," replied he, "to kill _during_ combat, or hang _afterwards_." Porthos and Aramis looked at each other again, and the color mounted to their faces.
"I am too light for the gallows," replied Aramis; "people like me are not hung." "And I am too heavy," said Porthos; "people like me break the cord." "I am sure," said the prisoner, gallantly, "that we could have guaranteed you the exact kind of death you preferred." "A thousand thanks!" said Aramis, seriously.