“Now that’s a nuisance, just at this moment. The guard up at the battery there must be informed at all hazards that the seventy-fives will be working over at Roca-Troca tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow, Admiral?”
“Yes, firing starts at noon. We can’t put it off, because General Felte must get away from Toulon tomorrow night at the latest. They’re going to shell the approaches to the mountain; and we’ve got to warn any wood-choppers there may be in the neighborhood. Otherwise somebody will be getting hurt! What time is it now, Narcy?”
“Three five, Admiral.”
“How far do you make it, from here to Solliès-Pont?”
“Ten or twelve miles.”
“Good! Well, telephone your orderly ... you have a man down there, haven’t you?...”
“Yes, Admiral!”
“ ... tell him to get your horse ready and bring it to you somewhere along the road.... Are you in uniform?”
“No, Admiral, military regulations permit civilian after luncheon as you know. I am wearing a riding suit, however, with boots and spurs. I was thinking of trying out Colonel Lescaut’s new mare this afternoon.”