46 THE BASTION SAINT-GERVAIS
On arriving at the lodgings of his three friends, d’Artagnan found them assembled in the same chamber. Athos was meditating; Porthos was twisting his mustache; Aramis was saying his prayers in a charming little Book of Hours, bound in blue velvet.
“ Pardieu, gentlemen,” said he. “I hope what you have to tell me is worth the trouble, or else, I warn you, I will not pardon you for making me come here instead of getting a little rest after a night spent in taking and dismantling a bastion. Ah, why were you not there, gentlemen? It was warm work.”
“ We were in a place where it was not very cold,” replied Porthos, giving his mustache a twist which was peculiar to him.
“ Hush!” said Athos.
“ Oh, oh!” said d’Artagnan, comprehending the slight frown of the Mus
