"Yes," said he, taking up again the thread of his thoughts, which had been broken by the agreeable conversation in which we have just permitted our readers to participate.

"Yes, yes, those three points include everything: First, to ascertain what Baisemeaux wanted with Aramis; secondly, to learn why Aramis does not let me hear from him; and thirdly, to ascertain where Porthos is.

The whole mystery lies in these three points.

Since, therefore," continued D'Artagnan, "our friends tell us nothing, we must have recourse to our own poor intelligence.

I must do what I can, mordioux, or rather Malaga, as Planchet would say.".