47 THE COUNCIL OF THE MUSKETEERS.
As Athos had foreseen, the bastion was only occupied by a dozen corpses, French and Rochellais.
"Gentlemen," said Athos, who had assumed the command of the expedition, "while Grimaud spreads the table, let us begin by collecting the guns and cartridges together.

We can talk while performing that necessary task.

These gentlemen," added he, pointing to the bodies, "cannot hear us." "But we could throw them into the ditch," said Porthos, "after having assured ourselves they have nothing in their pockets." "Yes," said Athos, "that's Grimaud's business." "Well, then," cried d'Artagnan, "pray let Grimaud search them and throw them over the walls." "Heaven forfend!" said Athos; "they may serve us." "These bodies serve us ?" said Porthos.

"You are mad, dear friend." "Judge not rashly, say the gospel and the cardinal," replied Athos.

"How many guns, gentlemen ?" "Twelve," replied Aramis.
"How many shots ?" "A hundred." "That's quite as many as we shall want.