We had halted for the night some ten miles or so from Arnay-le-Duc, and I was gossiping with Roger Braund and several of the Englishmen—­their numbers by this time, alas! had thinned considerably—­when Felix came up hastily, his eyes shining with keen excitement.

“Any fresh news?” asked Roger.

“Nothing certain,” my comrade answered, “but Cosse is reported to be at or near Arnay-le-Duc.  Edmond are you for a ride?”

“With all my heart,” said I, “but where?”

“To find out what we can about Cosse.  I have the Admiral’s instructions.  I told Jacques to saddle your horse; but you must hurry.”

“Good-night, Roger; good-night, gentlemen,” I said, laughing; “you can sleep soundly, knowing that we are awake.”

“Take care!” laughed Roger good-humouredly, “and don’t let that madcap get you into mischief.  I shouldn’t be surprised if he tries to get his information from Cosse himself.”

“I would,” declared Felix merrily, “if he gave me half a chance; but we must really go; the Admiral”—­and he drew himself up with an air of assumed importance—­“depends upon us.”

“Good-bye,” laughed Roger, “you won’t be a prisoner long; we will capture the marshal and exchange him for you!”

“Monseigneur would make a poor bargain if he agreed to that!” said my comrade, as we went off light-heartedly.

“Shall we take Jacques?” I asked, as we hurried along.

“He has settled that question for himself,” returned Felix in high glee; “he is saddling his own animal as well as ours.”

“What does the Admiral wish to learn?”

“The enemy’s numbers.  The reports are conflicting and range from five thousand to thirty, but we will discover the truth for ourselves before the morning.”

“At any rate we will do our best.  There is Jacques; he has lost little time; the horses are ready.  My pistols, Jacques!”

“They are in the holsters, monsieur, and loaded.”

“Into the saddle then!  Have you the password, Felix?”

“Yes; ’tis Roche Abeille.”

“A good choice!  ’Tis an omen of success.  Have you any idea of the proper direction?”

“I can find the way easily to Arnay-le-Duc; I have had a long talk with one of the couriers.”

Having passed our last outpost, where we stayed to chat for a moment with the officer in command, we proceeded at a brisk pace, my comrade feeling assured that we should not meet an enemy during the first six miles.  After that distance we went more slowly and with greater caution, for if the marshal was really at Arnay-le-Duc, his patrols were probably scouring the neighbourhood.

About four miles from the town we entered the street of a straggling village.  It was a half after ten; the lights in the cottages were out; the villagers had retired to bed.

“Shall we do any good by knocking up the landlord of the inn?” I asked.