my cloak," but the captain blustered loudly, vowing that I should do
nothing of the kind, and at last it was decided that he and I should
share one of the rooms between us.

This point being finally settled, after much wrangling, we sat down to
our meal, and the two strangers gradually became more friendly. It
appeared they were on their way to Vouziers, but, foreseeing the storm,
had turned back to seek shelter.

Thus far I had seen nothing of Pillot, but, remembering his advice, I
asked the innkeeper if he had a horse for sale or hire, explaining that
I wished to leave early in the morning for Mezieres.

"I have none of my own, monsieur; horses are scarce in these parts
since the troubles began; but there is one in the stables which belongs
to a poor traveller who might sell it."

"Is it a good one?"

"Monsieur can judge for himself, but I do not think monsieur will care
to ride it."

"Captain," said I, "will you come with me? You know more about a horse
than I."

"Certainly," he exclaimed, jumping up. "Bring a lantern, landlord; we
will go at once."

There were five horses in the stables--those of the captain and the two
strangers, my own which was in a state of prostration, and a thin
long-legged beast whose body was composed of skin and ribs.

On seeing this uncouth animal, the captain said with a laugh, "_Ma
foi_, M. de Lalande, you would make a pretty picture riding into
Mezieres on this brute. _Peste!_ Let us return to the fire."

I asked where the owner was, and the innkeeper replied, "Somewhere in
the village, monsieur, endeavouring to sell his goods."

"Is it not possible to obtain a decent animal anywhere?" I inquired.

"I will do my best," he answered, holding up the lantern to guide our
steps as Courcy and I returned to the inn.

"It is a nuisance," exclaimed the captain, warming his hands at the
fire, "but I fear you will have to stay here over to-morrow. If my
business were not so urgent----"

"Oh, the landlord may find an animal by the morning, especially as I am
prepared to pay a good price."

"Monsieur makes a thrust there," remarked one of the strangers; "one
can do most things with a full purse. After all, it will only be a
delay of a few hours or so."

We sat a long time listening to the storm, which, after a lull, had
broken out with redoubled fury, and once or twice I detected a stealthy
exchange of glances between Captain Courcy and the two travellers.
Thus far their