The horses galloped thus as far as Villeneuve St.George's, where relays were waiting.

Then four instead of two whirled the carriage away in the direction of Melun, and pulled up for a moment in the middle of the forest of Senart.

No doubt the order had been given the postilion beforehand, for Aramis had no occasion even to make a sign.
"What is the matter ?" asked the prisoner, as if waking from a long dream.
"The matter is, monseigneur," said Aramis, "that before going further, it is necessary your royal highness and I should converse." "I will await an opportunity, monsieur," answered the young prince.
"We could not have a better, monseigneur.

We are in the middle of a forest, and no one can hear us." "The postilion ?" "The postilion of this relay is deaf and dumb, monseigneur." "I am at your service, M.d'Herblay." "Is it your pleasure to remain in the carriage ?" "Yes; we are comfortably seated, and I like this carriage, for it has restored me to liberty." "Wait, monseigneur; there is yet a precaution to be taken." "What ?" "We are here on the highway; cavaliers or carriages traveling like ourselves might pass, and seeing us stopping, deem us in some difficulty.

Let us avoid offers of assistance, which would embarrass us." "Give the postilion orders to conceal the carriage in one of the side avenues." "'Tis exactly what I wished to do, monseigneur." Aramis made a sign to the deaf and dumb driver of the carriage, whom he touched on the arm.