The account raised my curiosity, I embarked in a fishing boat, without dreaming that you were here: I came, and I saw a monstrous fine fellow lifting a stone Ajax could not have stirred.

I cried out, 'Nobody but the Baron de Bracieux could have performed such a feat of strength.' You heard me, you turned round, you recognized me, we embraced; and, _ma foi!_ if you like, my dear friend, we will embrace again." "Ah! now all is explained," said Porthos; and he embraced D'Artagnan with so much friendship as to deprive the musketeer of his breath for five minutes.
"Why, you are stronger than ever," said D'Artagnan, "and still, happily, in your arms." Porthos saluted D'Artagnan with a gracious smile.

During the five minutes D'Artagnan was recovering his breath, he reflected that he had a very difficult part to play.

It was necessary that he always should question and never reply.

By the time his respiration returned, he had fixed his plans for the campaign..