The general has nothing to suffer from these events, and, no doubt, has directed them.

What Monk is now doing he has often done before.

We are wrong in alarming ourselves; his absence will, doubtless, be of short duration; therefore, let us beware, lest by a pusillanimity which the general would consider a crime, of making his absence public, and by that means demoralize the army.

The general gives a striking proof of his confidence in us; let us show ourselves worthy of it.

Gentlemen, let the most profound silence cover all this with an impenetrable veil; we will detain this gentleman, not from mistrust of him with regard to the crime, but to assure more effectively the secret of the general's absence by keeping among ourselves; therefore, until fresh orders, the gentleman will remain at headquarters." "Gentlemen," said Athos, "you forget that last night the general confided to me a deposit over which I am bound to watch.