"I have seen them often enough," replied the young man; "the owner of this one should be proud."
"It is yours," said Durand.
"What do you mean?"
"I bought it for you," was the simple reply.
"Pierre! Pierre! I repeat, you are ruined."
"Hush; I may as well add that under the saddles I have placed double pockets, which contain many things I have forgotten."
"But there are two horses," he cried.
"One for you and one for myself. At all events, I must see you fairly on your way."
Oliver made no reply, but turned away to dress in order to hide his emotion. When he was in full costume his friend burst out laughing, and told him he looked like a Calabrian bandit.
"And now which way do we go?" asked the captain.