If D'Artagnan had wished to place himself as a _vidette_ for an expedition, he could not have succeeded better.

The tree under which he and Raoul were seated covered them with its already thick foliage; it was a low, thick chestnut-tree, with inclined branches, that cast their shade over a table so dilapidated the drinkers had abandoned it.

We said that from this post D'Artagnan saw everything.

He observed the goings and comings of the waiters; the arrival of fresh drinkers; the welcome, sometimes friendly, sometimes hostile, given to the newcomers by others already installed.

He observed all this to amuse himself, for the thirty-seven and a half pistoles were a long time coming.