“All the better. Mr Y—, if you had ever discharged this duty before, I should now merely wish you a pleasant journey, and send you off. But this is your first expedition; it is one, to speak candidly, of greater risk than any that has hitherto fallen to our department. The army is considerably in advance in the French territory; you have before you six or seven days’ march upon French ground; it will, of course, be discovered that you carry money—there is no concealing that; a convoy like yours will naturally excite the cupidity of partisans and marauders; from St Jean de Luz to headquarters you will not find a single officer of our department to give you the benefit of his experience; and, under all the circumstances of the case, I feel it my duty to say this to you—mind what you are about; on no account separate from your convoy; let nothing induce you to deviate from the written route; always reach the specified station at the specified time; keep your escort sober, if you can; keep your muleteers in good-humour; keep your mules well together on the line of march; and, if you are asked questions, don’t be lavish of information. The French, Mr Y—, though an inquisitive people, are not apt to interrogate official persons out of mere curiosity. If, therefore, any individual should pester you with inquiries, depend upon it he has a motive.” “I suppose, sir,” said I, “in such a case, it will be as well to return some sort of a general reply, just to avoid the appearance of mystery.” “Exactly that,” said Mr Q—. “When a gentleman makes an inquiry, you are bound, by etiquette, to give him a _reply_. Whether you give him an _answer_ is optional, and a matter of discretion. “By the bye,” added Mr Q—, after a pause, “I shouldn’t wonder if you missed the pony, after all—no great harm if you do. To be sure, you must march on foot, the first day or two; but you won’t mind that; and you will have your eighty dollars. Put twenty to them, and I shouldn’t wonder if you pick up a very tolerable mule, which will answer your purpose far better. Then, if at headquarters you wish to come out well mounted, and choose to buy a horse, a mule, you know, will always fetch its value.” “I hope, sir,” said I, “we shall have a good escort.”