The landlord was in bed, but he came down quickly, and, having shown us into his best room, proceeded to draw the wine which Felix ordered.
"You are in bed early," I remarked on his return. "Have you no guests in the house?"
"None, monsieur."
"We expected to meet with some of the king's troops here: have they passed through already?"
"There have been no soldiers in the village, monsieur."
"But surely they are close at hand!"
"If monsieur means Marshal Cossé's army, it is ten miles off. At least Philippe said so when he came home this evening."
"Who is Philippe?"
"He lives in the village, monsieur; he could guide you to the soldiers. Shall I fetch him?"
"Yes," I replied, "and waste no time. Jacques," and I glanced at my servant meaningly, "you might go with the worthy host."