D'Artagnan was forced to give way; indeed, he was little short of being flat on the ground.

In the meantime Aramis had passed.

D'Artagnan, like Antaeus, had only touched the ground, and he turned towards Porthos, almost angry.

But there was no mistaking the intention of the brave Hercules; it was a feeling of religious propriety that had influenced him.

Besides, speech with Porthos, instead of disguising his thought, always completed it.
"It is very polite of him," said he, "to have given his benediction to us alone.