“It would appear we are forestalled,” said Crépin, drily. “M. Thibaut, have you a mind to rake over dead ashes? Well, I have heard of the white wine of Bergerac. At least I will taste that before I go to bed.” We drove up to the Golden Lion, whither our scamps had preceded us. Patriots hooted our prisoner as we clattered through the streets, or whipped at him with their ramrods. The decent citizens fled before us, and white-faced girls peeped from behind the white curtains of their little bed-chambers, crushing the dimity against their swelling bosoms. Oh! we were great people, I can assure you. At the hostelry--a high, mud-coloured building, with window-places fringed with stone, and its hill of a roof fretted thick as a dove-cote with dormer casements--they brought to our carriage a poor weeping maid. “_La demoiselle des pleurs_,” said Bonnet-rouge, with a grin. “Eh?” said Crépin. “The _aubergiste_, citizen.” Crépin looked at the poor creature with disfavour. Certainly she was very plain, though quite young, and her homely face was blowzed with tears. “Why do you cry then, little fool?” “Monsieur, they have taken my father to La Réole.” “He will return, if innocent.” “Alas! no, monsieur.” “What! you would discredit the impartiality of the Republic?” He stepped from the carriage, and took her by the shoulder. “He will return, if innocent, I say; and would the law had enlarged him before we arrived! You are in charge here, _citoyenne_?” “But yes, monsieur.” “A thousand devils!--and disorganised, I’ll swear; no fire in the kitchen, no food in the larder.” “Monsieur is in error. I go at once to serve the first monsieur of our best.” “The first--_sacré!_ is that also forestalled? But who is this first?” “The same as monsieur.” “And dost thou know who _I_ am?” “Alas, monsieur! You come and go, and you are all great and imperious. But I would not with a word offend monsieur.” “Listen, girl.” (A crowd stood about. He spoke for the benefit of all.) “I am a high officer of the Republic, _en mission_ to rout out the disaffected and to enforce the law. Go, and say to this citizen that, with his permission, I will join him.” Our rogues were unstrapping the footpad from the horse as he spoke. As they tumbled him, half silly with his jolting and with the blows he had received, upon his feet, the _aubergiste_ gave a faint cry. Crépin caught her as she retreated, and twisted her about once more. “You know this _Chevalier de la Coupe_?” “Monsieur, I--how can I say? So many drink wine with us.” He looked at her sternly a moment, then pushed her from him. “For supper, the best in the house!” he called after her, and turned to arrange for the disposition of his men and their prisoner.