"What is't?" this man asked. "What does monsieur desire at such an hour?"
"A horse. A horse at once that will carry me to----"
"Horses are dear just now. The army needs all."
"I will pay well. Come down and supply me. Quick, every moment is precious."
"So are horses. Yet I will descend. I have a good animal, but it cost me much."
A moment later he appeared at his door, a thick cudgel in his hand as though to guard against any sudden attack that might be made upon him, and said:
"The animal I have is worth a hundred gold pistoles."
"Bah! I have not so much about me."
"How much have you?"
"Twenty."