Jacques and the courier rode together a little in the rear, and, turning round, I remarked pleasantly, "By the way, my good fellow, I suppose you have a name of your own?"
"I can't say if it's mine or not," he replied sulkily, "but men call me Casimir."
"Is this the place where you were attacked?" I asked, as we came to the wood.
The fellow returned no answer, but, suddenly seizing his pistol and spurring his horse cruelly, he dashed to the front and disappeared. A minute or two later, we heard a loud report, and Jacques and I gazed at each other in amazement.
"Your friend sent you a pretty guide, monsieur," said Jacques; "the fellow must be crazy!"
"He fancied, perhaps, that he perceived one of his assailants."
"I saw nothing, and heard nothing; but he is coming back. Well, my friend, did you get a successful shot?"
"No," replied Casimir, who seemed angry at his own clumsiness, "I missed. But there are more days than one in a week, and my turn will come yet! Did you get a good view of the fellow, monsieur?"
I admitted that I had neither seen nor heard any one, at which he cried scornfully: "'Tis plain I shall have to be eyes and ears for the party. He was half hidden by yonder tree, but I saw the barrel of his arquebus. Had I known I was to be dragged into your quarrels, I would have stayed in Paris!"
"Tell me where to find your patron, and you can return at once," I said sternly; "I want no unwilling service!" but, muttering something under his breath he once more took his place beside Jacques.