After the repast,-- "You offered me an arquebus," said D'Artagnan.
"I did." "Lend it me, then." "Are you going shooting ?" "Whilst waiting for Porthos, it is the best thing I can do, I think." "Take which you like from the trophy." "Will you not come with me ?" "I would with great pleasure; but, alas! my friend, sporting is forbidden to bishops." "Ah!" said D'Artagnan, "I did not know that." "Besides," continued Aramis, "I shall be busy till mid-day." "I shall go alone, then ?" said D'Artagnan.
"I am sorry to say you must; but come back to dinner." "_Pardieu!_ the eating at your house is too good to make me think of not coming back." And thereupon D'Artagnan quitted his host, bowed to the guests, and took his arquebus; but instead of shooting, went straight to the little port of Vannes.

He looked in vain to observe if anybody saw him; he could discern neither thing nor person.

He engaged a little fishing boat for twenty-five livres, and set off at half-past eleven, convinced that he had not been followed; and that was true, he had not been followed; only a Jesuit brother, placed in the top of the steeple of his church, had not, since the morning, by the help of an excellent glass, lost sight of one of his steps.

At three quarters past eleven, Aramis was informed that D'Artagnan was sailing towards Belle-Isle.

The voyage was rapid; a good north north-east wind drove him towards the isle.