These arrangements made, the lackeys retired.
Athos then arose from his chair, girded on his sword, enveloped himself in his cloak, and left the hotel.

It was nearly ten o'clock.

At ten o'clock in the evening, it is well known, the streets in provincial towns are very little frequented.

Athos nevertheless was visibly anxious to find someone of whom he could ask a question.

At length he met a belated passenger, went up to him, and spoke a few words to him.