"You also know me?" cried Chicot in a rage.
"I have that honor; I was on guard at the palace this morning, and saw you talking with the king."
"Well! my friend, the king has given me a very urgent message to convey to Agen; open the postern for me."
"I would with pleasure, but I have not the keys."
"And who has them?"
"The officer for the night."
Chicot sighed.
"And where is he?"
The soldier rang a bell to wake his officer.
"What is it?" said he, passing his head through a window.