At last I heard the Lauds chime solemnly out into the night, and in a few minutes pulled up the weary beasts before the gates of Rouvres. Here I found a difficulty I might have anticipated. The gates were shut, and the unpleasant prospect of a dreary wait of some hours lay before me. This was not to be borne, and I raised a clamour that might have awakened the dead. It had the desired effect of rousing the watch at the gate; a wicket was opened, the light of a lanthorn flashed through, and a gruff voice bade me begone. 'Open,' I roared, 'open in the King's name.' '_Pardieu!_ Monsieur, the gates are kept shut in the King's name, and his Majesty does not like his subjects' rest being disturbed,' answered another voice, and from its tone and inflection I guessed it was that of an officer. 'In that case, monsieur,' I said, 'let me in so that we may both go to our beds, and a thousand apologies for disturbing you. My servant is already at the _Grand Cerf_, and one man cannot take Rouvres.' 'Then you are that M. de Preaulx of the Anjoumois, whose lackey Jacques Bisson arrived last night--for it is morning now?' 'You keep good watch, monsieur--who else should I be?' I said, with an inward 'thank heaven' at the accident that had discovered to me my new name. There was no reply for a moment, though I heard some one laughing, and the rays of the light were cast to the right and to the left of me to see that I was really alone. Finally orders were given for my admission. The gates went open with a creaking, and I was within Rouvres. As I rode in I stopped to thank the officer for his courtesy, and the light being very clear, he observed my condition, and exclaimed, '_Diable!_ But you have ridden far, monsieur, and with a led horse too!' 'I ride in the King's name, monsieur,' I replied a little coldly, and, thanking him once more, was seized with an inspiration, and begged the favour of his company at dinner at the _Grand Cerf_. 'With pleasure, monsieur. Permit me to introduce myself. I am the Chevalier d'Aubusson, lieutenant of M. de Sancy's company of ordonnance.' I raised my hat in response; 'His Majesty has no braver word than M. de Sancy. At twelve then, monsieur, I shall have the pleasure of meeting you again; good night, or rather good morning!' 'Adieu!' he answered, 'I will be punctual. The _Grand Cerf_ is but a couple of hundred toises to your right.'