“First put your horse in the stable, or he will fall.”
“The advice is good; where are the stables?”
As he spoke a man approached and asked for his name. M. de Monsoreau gave it. The major-domo (for it was he) bowed respectfully, for the chief huntsman’s name was well known in Anjou.
“Monsieur,” said he, “please to enter and take some repose. Monseigneur has not been out more than ten minutes, and will not be back till eight o’clock.”
“Eight o’clock! I cannot wait so long; I am the bearer of news which cannot be too soon known to his highness. Can I not have a horse and a guide?”
“There are plenty of horses, but a guide is a different thing, for his highness did not say where he was going.”
“Well, I will take a fresh horse, and try to discover him.”
“Probably you will hear where he has passed, monsieur.”
“Do they ride fast?”
“Oh no.”