Scarcely was he through the town before the vehicle started off, by Malden and Valory pressing and the promise of extra money.
Charny had lost sight of Drouet who did not budge, but was talking with the groom. The count went up to him.
"Was there no horse ordered for me, sir?" he demanded.
"One was ordered, but we are out of them."
"What do you mean—when here is a saddled horse in the yard."
"That is mine."
"But you can let me have it. I do not mind what I pay."
"Impossible. I have a journey to make, and it cannot be postponed."
To insist was to cause suspicions; to take by force was to ruin all. He thought of a means to smoothe over the difficulty. He went over to Captain Dandoins who was watching the royal carriage going round the corner. He turned on a hand being laid on his shoulder.
"Hush, I am Count Charny," said the Lifeguard. "I cannot get a horse here. Let me have one of your dragoons' as I must follow the King and the Queen. I alone know where the relays set by the Count of Choiseul are, and if I am not at hand the King will be brought to a standstill at Varennes."