These in-comings and out-goings excited the attention of a population already alarmed. They perceived that the two officers had the appearance of being restless and uneasy.
To the queries put them on the subject, they replied that they were awaiting a treasure which apparently was delayed, and that this delay gave rise to uneasiness.
About seven o’clock in the evening, a courier, dressed in a chamois leather vest, arrived, drew up at the post-house, and commanded horses for two carriages.
The postmaster was Jean Baptiste Drouet.
M. de Dandoins approached M. de Valory.
“Monsieur,” said he, in a whisper, “you are preceding the King’s carriage, are you not?”
“Yes, monsieur,” replied the courier; “and let me add, that I am astonished to see you and your men in policemen’s hats.”
“We did not know the exact hour of the King’s arrival. Our presence annoys the people; demonstrations of the most menacing character with regard to us have been made, and they have tried to entice away my men.”
“Silence,” said M. de Valory; “they hear what we are saying. Rejoin your men, sir, and try to keep them to their duty.”
MM. de Valory and de Dandoins then separated.