“I hope we shall be able to get some grog, sir; upon my conscience, your honour, I’m as empty as a dry water-cask.”
“I will get you plenty of food, Bill; only keep your mouth shut.”
“Whilst I’m eating, sir,” said Bill, with a grin.
Accordingly they made direct for the village. They passed several of the country people on their way, who looked at the two powerful men with evident curiosity. They at last got in the high road from the village to some other place, and presently met two very neatly attired country girls, with light baskets on their arms, and a farmer’s market cart, driven by a young lad, following. Lieutenant Thornton stopped and inquired the name of the village before them from one of the girls, a young and very pretty one.
The girl looked at the lieutenant with considerable surprise, saying with a curtsey:
“Ceaux, monsieur;” and then adding with some slight hesitation, “you are strangers?”
“Yes,” returned William Thornton, “we have just been landed from an English vessel of war. Is there a cabaret in the village, my pretty maid?”
“Well, no there is not, monsieur,” she replied; “but as you are strangers and may be far from your home, if you go to the house of Dame Moret and say her daughter directed you there, she will, I know, give you food and lodging for the asking.”
“Thank you, my good girl, I will do so, and not forget your pretty face when I get there. Are you going far?”
The young girl smiled and said: