"Peste!" muttered Canolles, "a whole garrison to make the acquaintance of a prisoner who is to be shut up! Here's a deal of ceremony, I should say."
He added, aloud:—
"I am at your service, monsieur, and ready to follow you wherever you choose to take me."
"Permit me then to walk in advance to do the honors."
Canolles followed him, congratulating himself upon having fallen into the hands of so courteous a gentleman.
"I fancy you will be let off with the ordinary question, only four pots of water," Barrabas whispered in his ear.
"So much the better," said Canolles. "I shall swell up only half as much."
When they reached the court-yard of the citadel, Canolles found part of the garrison under arms. Thereupon the officer who escorted him drew his sword and saluted him.
"Mon Dieu! how tedious!" muttered Canolles.