"

"We hunted to hounds. They're finely equipped, word of honor! Can I
breakfast here this morning?"

"Why not?"

"Then serve me a chicken, a bottle of Bordeaux, two cutlets, fruit--any
trifle will go."

"At once. Shall it be served in your room, or in the common room?"

"In the common room, it's more amusing; only give me a table to myself.
Don't forget my horse. He is a fine beast, and I love him better than I
do certain Christians, word of honor!"

The landlord gave his orders. Montbar stood before the fire, his
coat-tails drawn aside, warming his calves.

"So you still keep to the posting business?" he said to the landlord, as
if desirous of keeping up the conversation.

"I should think so!"

"Then you relay the diligences?"

"Not the diligences, but the mail-coaches."

"Ah! tell me--I want to go to Chambery some of these days--how many
places are there in the mail-coach?"

"Three; two inside, and one out with the courier."

"Do I stand any chance of finding a vacant seat?"

"It may happen; but the safest way is to hire your own conveyance."

"Can't I engage a place beforehand?"

"No; for don't you see, Monsieur de Jayat, that if travellers take
places from Paris to Lyons, they have the first right."

"See, the aristocrats!" said Montbar, laughing. "Apropos of aristocrats,
there is one behind me posting here. I passed him about a mile the other
side of Polliat. I thought his hack a little wind-broken."

"Oh!" exclaimed the landlord, "that's not astonishing; my brothers in
the business have a poor lot of horses."

"Why, there's our man!" continued Montbar; "I thought I had more of a
lead of him."

Roland was, in fact, just passing the windows at a gallop.

"Do you still want chamber No. 1, Monsieur de Jayat?" asked the
landlord.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because it is the best one, and if you don't take it, I shall give it
to that man, provided he wants to make any stay."

"Oh! don't bother about me; I shan't know till later in the day whether
I go or stay. If the new-comer means to remain give him No. l. I will
content myself with No. 2."

"The gentleman is served," said the waiter, looking through the door
which led from the kitchen to the common room.

Montbar nodded and accepted the invitation. He entered the common room
just as Roland came into the kitchen. The dinner was on the table.
Montbar changed his plate and sat down with his back to the door.
The precaution was useless. Rola