434 LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE. of the first. Raoul replied only by spurring the flanks of his steed. In a few moments the three cavaliers had over- taken the carriage, and followed it so closely that their horses' breath moistened the back of it. D'Artagnan, whose senses were ever on the alert, heard the trot of the horses at the moment when Eaoul was telling Porthos to pass the chariot, so as to see who was the person accom- panying Athos. Porthos complied, but could not see any- thing, for the blinds were lowered. Eage and impatience Vere gaining mastery over Raoul. He had just noticed the mystery preserved by Athos' companion, and determined on proceeding to extremities. On his part, D'Artagnan had perfectly recognized Porthos, and Raoul also, from under the blinds, and had communicated to the comte the result of his observation. They were desirous only of see- ing whether Raoul and Porthos would push the affair to the uttermost. And this they speedily did, for Raoul, present- ing his pistol, threw himself on the leader, commanding the coachman to stop. Porthos seized the coachman and dragged him from his seat. Grimaud already had hold of the carriage door. Raoul threw open his arms, exclaiming: "Monsieur le Oomte! Monsieur le Comte!" "Ah! is it you, Raoul?" said Athos, intoxicated with joy. "Not bad, indeed!" added D'Artagnan, with a burst of laughter; and they both embraced the young man and Porthos, who had taken possession of them. "My brave Porthos! best of friends," cried Athos, "it is still the same with you." "He is still only twenty," said D'Artagnan, "brave Porthos!" "Confound it!" answered Porthos, slightly confused, "we thought that you were being arrested." "Whil ," rejoined Athos, "the matter in question was nothing but my taking a drive in Monsieur d'Artagnan's carriage." "But we followed you from the Bastile," returned Raoul, with a tone of suspicion and reproach. "Where we had been to take supper with our friend Monsieur Baisemeaux. Do you recollect Baisemeaux, Porthos?" "Very well, indeed." "And there we saw Aramis." "In the Bastile?" "At supper."
- Ah!" said Porthos, again breathing freely.
