"Very well," said he; "I shall accompany you; and the
adventure appears to me so wonderful, that I shall carry the
torch myself." And saying these words, he girded on a short
sword, placed a pistol in his belt, disclosing in this
movement, which opened his doublet a little, the fine rings
of a coat of mail, destined to protect him from the first
dagger-thrust of an assassin. After which he took a Scotch
dirk in his left hand, and then turning to Athos, "Are you
ready, monsieur?" said he.

"I am."

Athos, as if in opposition to what Monk had done, unfastened
his poniard, which he placed upon the table; unhooked his
sword-belt, which he laid close to his poniard; and, without
affectation, opening his doublet as if to look for his
handkerchief, showed beneath his fine cambric shirt his
naked breast, without weapons either offensive or defensive.

"This is truly a singular man," said Monk; "he is without
any arms; he has an ambuscade placed somewhere yonder."

"General," said he, as if he had divined Monk's thought,
"you wish we should be alone; that is very right, but a
great captain ought never to expose himself with temerity.
It is night, the passage of the marsh may present dangers;
be accompanied."

"You are right," replied he, calling Digby. The aid-de-camp