A few sharp orders were given, the bugle was sounded, and the troopers gathered in the road, each man at his horse’s head. M. de Baudri came out of the garden and leaped into the saddle; then his eyes lighted on the cobbler standing quietly in the road.
“Here,� he said sharply, “Petit Bossu must be mounted; bring up a horse.�
“I cannot ride,� said the cobbler, meekly; “my back and my hips, monsieur, will not permit it.�
“Mille tonnerres!� ejaculated the officer, with a black frown, “you mean to walk? We shall not be there for an hour!�
“I can walk fast, at times, monsieur,� replied Charlot; “I will do my best. If you had but a cart—�
M. de Baudri cursed him and his deformity.
“A cart!� he said mockingly; “a litter! Do you suppose that dragoons drive out in carriages; such vermin should not cumber the earth. If we miss them, Mère de Dieu, I’ll hang you!�
“We cannot miss them, monsieur,� rejoined the cobbler, patiently; “they dare not leave their lurking place in daylight, and it is yet an hour to sunset.�
“Dame de Dieu, let us be off!� exclaimed de Baudri, and gave the order to mount.
The long line of dragoons swung into their saddles and the little cavalcade moved slowly off, with le Bossu in advance.