"In an hour then, though I do not care for travelling by night."
"The carriage is roomy and comfortable; there is no danger, and perhaps you will be able to sleep on the journey."
Bowing to the ladies, I rejoined Belloc, who was waiting impatiently in the ante-room.
"Well?" he exclaimed.
"It is all right. Here is the paper, and we leave for Aunay in an hour. I am not looking forward with any pleasure to the journey, I can assure you!"
"You are obeying orders," said he, taking the paper. "Now I must return to the Cardinal; and, by the by, take care of yourself! The troopers will be sufficient protection against robbers, but, should you meet with any of Condé's friends, you may have to fight."
"I hope not, at least until the ladies are safely disposed of."
Wishing me good-bye, he walked away at a rapid pace, while I, glad of the chance to divert my thoughts, paid a visit to the inn. The troopers, who were in charge of a grizzled sergeant, had dismounted, and were amusing themselves in a small room looking into the courtyard. The sergeant saluted, listened respectfully to my order, and accompanied me to inspect the carriage and horses.
"Are we going far, monsieur?"
"Two or three days' journey. I hope you can depend on your men? The ride may not be altogether a holiday jaunt."