I
thirsted, however; and so I determined to alight, if it were only to
drink a can of wine and obtain information of my whereabouts.
As I was entering the hostelry there was a clatter of hoofs in the
street, and four dragoons headed by a sergeant rode up and halted at
the door of the Paon. They seemed to have ridden hard and some
distance, for their horses were jaded almost to the last point of
endurance.
Within, I called the host, and having obtained a flagon of the best
vintage - Heaven fortify those that must be content with his worst!
--I passed on to make inquiries touching my whereabouts and the way
to Lavedan. This I learnt was but some three or four miles distant.
About the other table - there were but two within the room - stood
the dragoons in a whispered consultation, of which it had been well
had I taken heed, for it concerned me more closely than I could have
dreamt.
"He answers the description," said the sergeant, and though I heard
the words I took no thought that it was of me they spoke.
"Padrieu," swore one of his companions, "I'll wager it is our man."
And then, just as I was noticing that Master Abdon, who had also
overheard the conversation, was eyeing me curiously, the sergeant
stepped up to me, and--
"What is your name, monsieur?" quoth he.
I vouchsafed him a stare of surprise before asking in my turn "How
may that concern you?"
"Your pardon, my master, but we are on the King's business.
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