"Landlord," Arthur said, "we want a man on horseback to guide us to Tudela; it is important that we should get there this evening. Of course we shall be ready to pay well for such service."
"What do you call well, señor?" the landlord said.
"I will give three pounds."
"Then I will go myself with you. My horse is not very fast, but he is strong, and can do the journey easily."
"Very well, then; saddle him at once. Don't waste a minute about it."
In five minutes the landlord rode out of the yard. He carried a couple of lanterns.
"You take one of them, Roper. I will ride between you and this good fellow."
The road was bad, and it was well that the landlord had brought lanterns, for it was a cross-road, and often nothing but a mere track. It was one o'clock in the morning before they rode into Tudela. The little town was asleep, but they roused the people at the principal inn.
"Does the colonel commanding the troops stop here?"
"No, sir; he stays at the large house fourth down the road on the right-hand side."