nd and left me. Then, after walking a few paces, turned
quickly round, and said,--

"You will remember, a blouse and knapsack are indispensable for your
equipment. Adieu!"

CHAPTER XXX. AN OLD SAILOR OF THE EMPIRE

No circumstance of any interest occurred on my journey to Marboeuf; my
passport, made out in my own name as a sous-officier on leave, secured
me against any interruption or delay; and on the third evening I reached
the little wayside cabaret, about a league beyond the town, where I was
informed by the count that the abbe would await me.

To my surprise, however, I discovered that the house was occupied by a
detachment of the Marines of the Guard, proceeding from Marboeuf to the
coast; with these, assuming the "camaraderie" of the service, I soon
made acquaintance, and being possessed of some information about
the army, my company was at once coveted by the sailors, who had no
opportunity of learning the events of the campaign.

The flurried manner and the over-solicitous desire of the landlord
to please, did not escape me; and taking the first opportunity that
offered, I followed him into his room, and closed the door behind me.

"Has _he_ arrived?" said I, assuming at once the tone of one with whom
there need be no secrecy.

"Ha! you are the captain, then, and I was right?" said he, not replying
to my question, but showing that he was aware who I was. But in an
instant he resumed, "Alas! no, sir; the orders to have quarters ready
for ten men reached me yesterday; and though I told his messenger that
he might come in safety,--the marines never noticing any traveller,--he
has evidently been afraid to venture. This is the 10th; on the 12th the
vessel is to be off the coast; after that it will be too late."

"But he may come yet."

The man shook his head and sighed; then muttered half aloud, "It was a
foolish choice to take a coward for a hazardous enterprise. The Comte de
Chambord has been here twice to-day to see him, but in vain."

"Where is he, then? at what distance from here?"

"No one knows. It must be some leagues away, however, for his messenger
seems tired and weary when he comes, and never returns the same day."

"Is it not possible he may have pushed on to the coast, finding this
place occupied?"

"Ah, sir, it is plain you know him not; he has no daring like this, and
would never seek a new path if the old were closed against him. But
after all, it would be useless here."

"How s