ode warily, keeping the
captain on my left and taking care that he did not lag behind.
Fortunately, perhaps, there were numerous people on the highroad, and
once we overtook a body of troops wearing the King's colours. Their
officer stopped and questioned us, but our answers being satisfactory
he allowed us to proceed.

"Conde evidently has few friends in these parts," remarked the captain.

"And fewer still the farther we go, which is a lucky thing for us. I
suppose your regiment is at Mezieres?"

"Why, no," he answered carelessly, and lowering his voice, he added,
"the truth is I am despatched on a special service. I cannot very well
say more but----"

"No, no, keep your secret," I interrupted hastily; "it is enough for me
that you are on the King's side," at which the rascal smiled
pleasantly, thinking how easy it would be to pluck such a simple goose.

About four o'clock we approached the village of Verdu, when, oddly
enough, my horse began to show signs of distress, and I was compelled
to slacken pace. The captain expressed his sorrow, and would not hear
of riding on alone.

"No," said he, "it is not my custom to leave a comrade in the lurch.
We will push on together, and perhaps in the village you may be able to
purchase or hire another animal which will carry you as far as
Mezieres. Besides, the night bids fair to be stormy, and we may as
well lie snug at the inn."

For some time I had noticed the sky was becoming overcast; dark clouds
were hurrying up, and, as we dismounted, the storm burst.

"_Corbleu!_" cried the captain, "only just in time! The inn will be
full to-night," and as he spoke two other horsemen dashed up to obtain
shelter.

The innkeeper bade us welcome, the servants led away our horses, and we
all entered the house together. The last two comers sat at a distance
from us, as if not wishing for company, but I did not for an instant
doubt that they were the crafty captain's missing friends.

"Landlord," exclaimed one of them, "my friend and I will stay here
to-night; so put your two best rooms in order."

"There are but two, monsieur," replied the innkeeper.

"We require only two, stupid, but see to it that the linen is clean and
wholesome."

"Wait a moment, monsieur," cried the captain gaily, "this gentleman and
I intend to stay here while the storm lasts, and we shall require one
of these same rooms."

"Oh," said I, "pray leave me out of the question; I can sleep here in