A waiter brought in two dimly-burning tallow candles, and placed them upon the table. The ennui did not diminish.
The tramp of horses was heard without. It came down the street, in the direction of the tavern. The countenances of the three officers became animated.
"Can it be the captain back already?" cried one, half surprised.
"Impossible; though he rode like the very devil, he could not be back for another hour."
"But there are two horses, an officer's and his servant's; I know it by sound of hoof."
The third officer looked round at the two speakers. "It is not the captain," he said positively. "The captain's black charger has a lighter tread. Yonder officer's horse goes heavily."
They all rose and went to the window. Two horsemen rode slowly up the street; one at an interval of a few paces behind the other.
"By Jove! an officer and his servant!" said one of the lieutenants.
The other nodded assent.
"Who can it be? Whither can he be going?"