"Excuse me, my good fellow," interrupted La Mole, "did you not say that officer is M. de Mouy?"
"Yes, sir."
"And that those with him are"—
"Are heretics—I said so."
"Thank you," said La Mole, affecting not to notice the scornful word parpaillots, employed by the sentinel. "That was all I wished to know;" and advancing to the chief of the cavaliers:
"Sir," said he, "I am told you are M. de Mouy."
"Yes, sir," returned the officer, courteously.
"Your name, well known among those of our faith, emboldens me to address you, sir, to ask a special favor."
"What may that be, sir,—but first whom have I the honor of addressing?"
"The Comte Lerac de la Mole."