The bishop approached the sleeper.

A thick carpet deadened his steps, besides which Porthos snored in a manner to drown all noise.

He laid one hand on his shoulder--"Rouse," said he, "wake up, my dear Porthos." The voice of Aramis was soft and kind, but it conveyed more than a notice,--it conveyed an order.

His hand was light, but it indicated danger.

Porthos heard the voice and felt the hand of Aramis, even in the depth of sleep.