"From this time it would no longer be a fight betwixt them and you--it would be a massacre.

Begone, then, begone, and forget; this time I command you, in the name of the Lord of Hosts!" The mutineers retired slowly, submissive, silent.
"Ah! what have you just been saying, my friend ?" said Porthos.
"Monsieur," said Biscarrat to the bishop, "you may save all these inhabitants, but thus you will neither save yourself nor your friend." "Monsieur de Biscarrat," said the bishop of Vannes, with a singular accent of nobility and courtesy, "Monsieur de Biscarrat, be kind enough to resume your liberty." "I am very willing to do so, monsieur; but--" "That would render us a service, for when announcing to the king's lieutenant the submission of the islanders, you will perhaps obtain some grace for us on informing him of the manner in which that submission has been effected." "Grace!" replied Porthos with flashing eyes, "what is the meaning of that word ?" Aramis touched the elbow of his friend roughly, as he had been accustomed to do in the days of their youth, when he wanted to warn Porthos that he had committed, or was about to commit, a blunder.
Porthos understood him, and was silent immediately.
"I will go, messieurs," replied Biscarrat, a little surprised likewise at the word "grace" pronounced by the haughty musketeer, of and to whom, but a few minutes before, he had related with so much enthusiasm the heroic exploits with which his father had delighted him.
"Go, then, Monsieur Biscarrat," said Aramis, bowing to him, "and at parting receive the expression of our entire gratitude." "But you, messieurs, you whom I think it an honor to call my friends, since you have been willing to accept that title, what will become of you in the meantime ?" replied the officer, very much agitated at taking leave of the two ancient adversaries of his father.
"We will wait here." "But, _mon Dieu!_--the order is precise and formal." "I am bishop of Vannes, Monsieur de Biscarrat; and they no more shoot a bishop than they hang a gentleman." "Ah! yes, monsieur--yes, monseigneur," replied Biscarrat; "it is true, you are right, there is still that chance for you.

Then, I will depart, I will repair to the commander of the expedition, the king's lieutenant.
Adieu! then, messieurs, or rather, to meet again, I hope." The worthy officer, jumping upon a horse given him by Aramis, departed in the direction of the sound of cannon, which, by surging the crowd into the fort, had interrupted the conversation of the two friends with their prisoner.

Aramis watched the departure, and when left alone with Porthos: "Well, do you comprehend ?" said he.
"_Ma foi!_ no." "Did not Biscarrat inconvenience you here ?" "No; he is a brave fellow." "Yes; but the grotto of Locmaria--is it necessary all the world should know it ?" "Ah! that is true, that is true; I comprehend.

We are going to escape by the cavern." "If you please," cried Aramis, gayly.