Andre-Louis drained his cup, which had been filled with
the poor vin gris that was the players' drink.

It was a remark that might have precipitated an argument had it not also
reminded M. Binet of the terms on which they were encamped there, and
of the fact that the half-hour was more than past. In a moment he was on
his feet, leaping up with an agility surprising in so corpulent a man,
issuing his commands like a marshal on a field of battle.

"Come, come, my lads! Are we to sit guzzling here all day? Time flees,
and there's a deal to be done if we are to make our entry into Guichen
at noon. Go, get you dressed. We strike camp in twenty minutes. Bestir,
ladies! To your chaise, and see that you contrive to look your best.
Soon the eyes of Guichen will be upon you, and the condition of your
interior to-morrow will depend upon the impression made by your exterior
to-day. Away! Away!"

The implicit obedience this autocrat commanded set them in a whirl.
Baskets and boxes were dragged forth to receive the platters and remains
of their meagre feast. In an instant the ground was cleared, and the
three ladies had taken their departure to the chaise, which was set
apart for their use. The men were already climbing into the house on
wheels, when Binet turned to Andre-Louis.

"We part here, sir," said he, dramatically, "the richer by your
acquaintance; your debtors and your friends." He put forth his podgy
hand.

Slowly Andre-Louis took it in his own. He had been thinking swiftly in
the last few moments. And remembering the safety he had found from his
pursuers in the bosom of this company, it occurred to him that nowhere
could he be better hidden for the present, until the quest for him
should have died down.

"Sir," he said, "the indebtedness is on my side. It is not every day
one has the felicity to sit down with so illustrious and engaging a
company."

Binet's little eyes peered suspiciously at the young man, in quest of
irony. He found nothing but candour and simple good faith.

"I part from you reluctantly," Andre-Louis continued. "The more
reluctantly since I do not perceive the absolute necessity for parting."

"How?" quoth Binet, frowning, and slowly withdrawing the hand which the
other had already retained rather longer than was necessary.

"Thus," Andre-Louis explained himself. "You may set me down as a sort
of knight of rueful countenance in quest of adventure, with no fixed
purpose in life at present. Yo