- Aramis and Porthos proceed carefully to Locmaria. They expect to find three servants there to help them.
- Porthos's legs go weak again at the entrance to the grotto.
- Aramis enters the grotto and gives a pre-arranged signal.
- Porthos descends as Aramis examines the canoe, which is well-stocked with firepower.
- The servants begin placing rollers under the boat in preparation of the move, but before they are finished a pack of dogs enters the grotto.
- A fox seeks refuge in the grotto, but it is followed by a pack of hounds, and behind the hounds, men. The King's guards, led by Biscarrat, are on a hunt.
- Aramis orders the dogs killed so their masters are not tempted to follow and discover the boat. The six dogs are killed, but there are still the sixteen masters left.
- Aramis and Porthos conceal themselves in preparation for shooting the men. The servants will load the muskets for them.
- Porthos asks how they are to treat Biscarrat.
- Aramis replies that they ought to shoot him first, since he can recognize the two rebels.