This question was made with such apparent good faith, and
the gentleman wore an air of such natural surprise, that the
three officers exchanged a meaning look. The lieutenant, by
a tacit convention with the other two, was spokesman."

"Monsieur, the general left you last night on the borders of
the monastery."

"Yes, monsieur."

"And you went ---- "

"It is not for me to answer you, but for those who have
accompanied me. They were your soldiers, ask them."

"But if we please to question you?"

"Then it will please me to reply, monsieur, that I do not
recognize any one here, that I know no one here but the
general, and that it is to him alone I will reply."

"So be it, monsieur; but as we are the masters, we
constitute ourselves a council of war, and when you are
before judges you must reply."

The countenance of Athos expressed nothing but astonishment
and disdain, instead of the terror the officers expected to
read in it at this threat.

"Scotch or English judges upon me, a subject of the king of