"Why not?" said Charras. "I must make myself useful."
"Where will you find me these?"
"At Versailles."
"Do you know anybody there?"
"Not a soul ... but don't trouble on that account."
"I will go with you," said Bernadou.
"Come, then."
The two young men set off as fast as their horses could go. They reached the Hôtel de Ville of Versailles consumed with thirst. Somebody had conceived the notion of breaking open a dozen barrels of beer in the courtyard, in the full sunshine: they attempted to drink it, but found it like poison. A man in civilian dress was there, representing the mayor, sweating like an ox: for that matter, everybody, mayor, deputies, municipal councillors, were all melting with the heat.
"Look quick!" said Charras; "come, we want spies, horses and a carriage!"
"Excuse me?" asked the perspiring citizen.