The little grating, of which D'Artagnan had spoken to the king, like the visor of the helmet, was placed opposite to the man's face.

It was so constructed that, at the least cry, a sudden pressure would stifle that cry, and, if necessary, him who had uttered that cry.
D'Artagnan was so well acquainted with his crew and his prisoner, that during the whole voyage he had been in dread of two things: either that the general would prefer death to this sort of imprisonment, and would smother himself by endeavoring to speak, or that his guards would allow themselves to be tempted by the offers of the prisoner, and put him, D'Artagnan, into the box instead of Monk.
D'Artagnan, therefore, had passed the two days and the two nights of the voyage close to the coffin, alone with the general, offering him wine and food, which the latter had refused, and constantly endeavoring to reassure him upon the destiny which awaited him at the end of this singular captivity.

Two pistols on the table and his naked sword made D'Artagnan easy with regard to indiscretions from without.
When once at Scheveningen he had felt completely reassured.

His men greatly dreaded any conflict with the lords of the soil.

He had, besides, interested in his cause him who had morally served him as lieutenant, and whom we have seen reply to the name of Menneville.