But D'Artagnan, whilst walking and observing, took care not to stop; he directed his course towards the downs, and the ten men--surprised at finding themselves going in the track of each other, uneasy at seeing on their right, on their left, and behind them, companions upon whom they had not reckoned--followed him, casting furtive glances at each other.

It was not till he had arrived at the hollow part of the deepest down that D'Artagnan, smiling to see them outdone, turned towards them, making a friendly sign with his hand.
"Eh! come, come, gentlemen," said he, "let us not devour each other; you are made to live together, to understand each other in all respects, and not to devour one another." Instantly all hesitation ceased; the men breathed as if they had been taken out of a coffin, and examined each other complacently.

After this examination they turned their eyes towards their leader, who had long been acquainted with the art of speaking to men of that class, and who improvised the following little speech, pronounced with an energy truly Gascon: "Gentlemen, you all know who I am.

I have engaged you from knowing you to be brave, and willing to associate you with me in a glorious enterprise.

Imagine that in laboring for me you labor for the king.