Although the governor apologized to Hector for the poorness of
the repast and the haste with which it had been prepared, it was
really excellent, consisting of soup, some fish fresh from the
river, a cutlet, and an omelette, with a bottle of good wine of
Asti. Paolo's wants had been attended to in the kitchen. It was
six o'clock when they started. The officer in command had already
received his instructions, and the governor accompanied Hector to
the door, where two horses were standing saddled.

"They are not your own," he said, "but are two of mine. I thought
that yours had made a sufficiently long journey today."

Thanking him for his kindness, Hector mounted, and took his place
by the side of Captain Simon, while Paolo fell in with the orderlies
riding close behind.

"I presume, monsieur, that you are going to obtain some information
for Viscount Turenne. I don't want to ask any questions as to the
nature of your mission, but as I have orders to bring back with
the horses your cloaks and hats, I presume that in the first place
you are going on foot, and in the second, you are going in disguise."

"Your judgment is correct, captain. The viscount wishes to obtain
certain information, and I am going to fetch it for him, if I
can."

"I hope that you will be successful, sir. It is a good night for
travelling, the stars are bright and the moon down, so that you
will have light enough to keep the road, and time enough to step