Keep within reach of my voice and hand." Porthos took refuge in the second compartment, which was in darkness, absolutely black.

Aramis glided into the third; the giant held in his hand an iron bar of about fifty pounds weight.

Porthos handled this lever, which had been used in rolling the bark, with marvelous facility.
During this time, the Bretons had pushed the bark to the beach.

In the further and lighter compartment, Aramis, stooping and concealed, was busy with some mysterious maneuver.

A command was given in a loud voice.
It was the last order of the captain commandant.