Chapter VIII.

The General of the Order.
There was now a brief silence, during which Aramis never removed his eyes from Baisemeaux for a moment.

The latter seemed only half decided to disturb himself thus in the middle of supper, and it was clear he was trying to invent some pretext, whether good or bad, for delay, at any rate till after dessert.

And it appeared also that he had hit upon an excuse at last.
"Eh! but it is impossible!" he cried.
"How impossible ?" said Aramis.

"Give me a glimpse of this impossibility." "'Tis impossible to set a prisoner at liberty at such an hour.