Porthos mounted.

Then Aramis himself took the horse by the bridle, and led him over some dung spread in the yard, with the evident intention of suppressing noise.

He, at the same time, held tight the horse's nose, to prevent him neighing.

When arrived at the outward gate, drawing Porthos towards him, who was going off without even asking him what for: "Now, friend Porthos, now; without drawing bridle, till you get to Paris," whispered he in his ears; "eat on horseback, drink on horseback, but lose not a minute." "That's enough; I will not stop." "This letter to M.Fouquet; cost what it may, he must have it to-morrow before mid-day." "He shall." "And do not forget _one_ thing, my friend." "What is that ?" "That you are riding out on a hunt for your _brevet_ of _duc_ and peer." "Oh! oh!" said Porthos, with his eyes sparkling; "I will do it in twenty-four hours, in that case." "Try." "Then let go the bridle--and forward, Goliath!" Aramis did let go, not the bridle, but the horse's nose.

Porthos released his hand, clapped spurs to his horse, which set off at a gallop.