CHAPTER XXX
THE STRATEGY OF WAR
Fanciful as it appeared to him, Martin-Guerre's hope was realized nevertheless. When Gabriel after a thousand narrow escapes reached the forest where Baron de Vaulpergues was awaiting him, the first face that he saw was that of his squire, and the first words he uttered were, "Martin-Guerre!"
"Here I am, Monseigneur," was the squire's reply, in a steady voice.
This Martin-Guerre needed nobody to advise or urge him to be impudent.
"Were you much ahead of me, Martin?" asked Gabriel.
"I have been here an hour, Monseigneur."
"Have you really? But it seems to me that you have changed your dress, for surely you hadn't on that doublet when you left me three hours ago."
"No, Monseigneur; I obtained this one of a peasant who was more appropriately dressed than I, as I thought, and gave him mine in exchange."
"Very well! and you had no unfortunate encounter?"