The lieutenant turned towards the other officers, and said,
in a low voice: "If this gentleman speaks truth, there may
still be some hope. The general may be carrying out some
negotiations so secret, that he thought it imprudent to
inform even us. Then the time limited for his absence would
be a week." Then, turning towards Athos: "Monsieur," said
he, "your declaration is of the most serious importance; are
you willing to repeat it under the seal of an oath?"

"Sir," replied Athos, "I have always lived in a world where
my simple word was regarded as the most sacred of oaths."

"This time, however, monsieur, the circumstance is more
grave than any you may have been placed in. The safety of
the whole army is at stake. Reflect, the general has
disappeared, and our search for him has been vain. Is this
disappearance natural? Has a crime been committed? Are we
not bound to carry our investigations to extremity? Have we
any right to wait with patience? At this moment, everything,
monsieur, depends upon the words you are about to
pronounce."

"Thus questioned, gentlemen, I no longer hesitate," said
Athos. "Yes, I came hither to converse confidentially with
General Monk, and ask him for an answer regarding certain
interests; yes, the general being, doubtless, unable to
pronounce before the expected battle, begged me to remain a
week in the house I inhabit, promising me that in a week I
should see him again. Yes, all this is true, and I swear it