“Shall I accompany you, sir?” he said.
“No, Joseph,” replied his master, “I shall not require your services to-day.”
Then, stepping back a pace and pressing a roll of gold into the man’s hand, he said, “Take this, and if at any time I have appeared brusque to you, pardon my ill-humour.”
“Oh, monsieur!” said Joseph, with tears in his eyes, “what is the meaning of this?”
“Chut!” said Louis, and he sprang into the carriage.
“He is a good servant,” he murmured, “and if either of you can ever be of use to him I shall be obliged.”
“Is he about to leave you?” said the Baron.
“No,” said Louis, smiling; “I am leaving him, that is all!”
We stopped at Devismes just long enough to secure a case of pistols, powder and bullets, and then resumed our way at a brisk trot.