"This is the gentleman I am going to fight with," said Athos,
pointing to d'Artagnan with his hand and saluting him with the
same gesture.

"Why, it is with him I am also going to fight," said Porthos.

"But not before one o'clock," replied d'Artagnan.

"And I also am to fight with this gentleman," said Aramis, coming
in his turn onto the place.

"But not until two o'clock," said d'Artagnan, with the same
calmness.

"But what are you going to fight about, Athos?" asked Aramis.

"Faith! I don't very well know. He hurt my shoulder. And you,
Porthos?"

"Faith! I am going to fight--because I am going to fight,"
answered Porthos, reddening.

Athos, whose keen eye lost nothing, perceived a faintly sly smile
pass over the lips of the young Gascon as he replied, "We had a
short discussion upon dress."

"And you, Aramis?" asked Athos.

"Oh, ours is a theological quarrel," replied Aramis, making a
sign to d'Artagnan to keep secret the cause of their duel.