"It is hereby testified that citizen Lucien Porson, and his sister citoyenne Martin, both of good repute and well disposed to the Republic, natives of this town of Arthenay, are travelling, accompanied by a child of the latter, to Marseilles, whither they go on family affairs, and to join citoyenne Martin's husband, a master mariner of that town."
The destination had been altered when they heard of the state of things at Toulon. The document was purposed to be signed by the maire, under his official seal.
"There is only one difficulty," the landlord said, as Leigh and Patsey warmly thanked him; "and that is that, although it will pass you when you have once left this town, it would be dangerous to use it here; and you may at any moment be asked for it. But my cousin, who is a charming fellow, pointed out the difficulty to me, and said:
"'The best thing will be for me to take a couple of men, and pay the official visit to him, myself.'
"I expect that he will be here in a few minutes."
"Then, as the stableman has gone out at last--at least I see no lights there--I will go and get the rest of the money."
"Yes, I met him a hundred yards off, on my way back. There is no one about. I will take a lantern and go out with you."
In ten minutes they returned, Leigh having the ten louis required in his pocket. A quarter of an hour later the door opened, and a man wearing the scarf which showed him to be an officer of the municipality entered, followed by two men with the cockade of the Republic in their hats.
"This is citizen Porson and citoyenne Martin, his sister," the landlord, who accompanied the party, said.
The functionary walked up to the table and said gruffly, "Your papers, citizen."