CHAPTER X
The Emperor's Despatch
Spoils of War—Hard Cash—A Good Bargain—"To Command the World"—A Wigging—"Missing"—Through the Night—Dead Beat—Grumbling—A Late Breakfast—Mixed Metaphors—A Change of Route
Jack threw himself wearily into a chair. He was tired, famished, disappointed—above all, disappointed,—for he had set his heart on capturing the Frenchman as a crowning achievement for this crowded day. For a few moments he sat staring with downcast eyes at the floor; then he pulled himself together.
"It can't be helped," he thought. "I did my best.—Landlord, give me some food."
The landlord put down on the table, between two smoking candles, the knife which he had retained up to this moment.
"Some food for the caballero," he said to one of his men. "And you, Perez, go outside and bury that carrion Frenchman."
Some minutes passed. Jack found that he had no appetite for the crude dishes set before him, and heard dully, with inattentive ears, the slow monotone of the landlord, who seemed to be anxious to justify to himself the act of murder he had committed. Presently two of the inn servants entered.
"We have buried him, master," said the first. "And his clothes are rich; we thought maybe you would wish to have them."
His companion came forward, and laid before the inn-keeper a heap of garments.