Besides, in addition to the pioneers, there are four soldiers and a brigadier, armed with muskets." "That's because they don't see us," said Athos.
"My faith," said Aramis, "I must confess I feel a great repugnance to fire on these poor devils of civilians." "He is a bad priest," said Porthos, "who has pity for heretics." "In truth," said Athos, "Aramis is right.

I will warn them." "What the devil are you going to do ?" cried d'Artagnan, "you will be shot." But Athos heeded not his advice.

Mounting on the breach, with his musket in one hand and his hat in the other, he said, bowing courteously and addressing the soldiers and the pioneers, who, astonished at this apparition, stopped fifty paces from the bastion: "Gentlemen, a few friends and myself are about to breakfast in this bastion.

Now, you know nothing is more disagreeable than being disturbed when one is at breakfast.

We request you, then, if you really have business here, to wait till we have finished or repast, or to come again a short time hence, unless; unless, which would be far better, you form the salutary resolution to quit the side of the rebels, and come and drink with us to the health of the King of France." "Take care, Athos!" cried d'Artagnan; "don't you see they are aiming ?" "Yes, yes," said Athos; "but they are only civilians--very bad marksmen, who will be sure not to hit me." In fact, at the same instant four shots were fired, and the balls were flattened against the wall around Athos, but not one touched him.
Four shots replied to them almost instantaneously, but much better aimed than those of the aggressors; three soldiers fell dead, and one of the pioneers was wounded.
"Grimaud," said Athos, still on the breach, "another musket!" Grimaud immediately obeyed.