As I rode up the narrow and ill-paved street I heard d'Aubusson whistling a catch as he turned into the guard-room, and congratulated myself on my stratagem and the luck that had befriended it. I knew enough of court intrigue to be aware that de Sancy and the Marshal were at each other's throats, and that I could therefore always get protection here by declaring myself against Biron. Then came a short turn to the right, and Monsieur de Preaulx of the Anjoumois was at the door of the _Grand Cerf_. It opened to my knock, and Jacques, faithful knave, was in waiting. After this there followed the usual little delay and bustle consequent on a new arrival. As I dismounted Jacques whispered in my ear, 'You are M. de Preaulx of Saumur in the Anjoumois, monsieur.' 'So M. d'Aubusson tells me,' I replied in the same tone, and then louder, 'but you might have made a mess of it, Jacques--however, you meant well, and I owe you five crowns for your good intentions. Now call mine host, and tell him to show me to my rooms whilst you see to the horses.' Mine host was already there, in slippered feet, with a long candle in one hand and a cup of warmed Romanee in the other. He led the way with many bows, and I limped after him to a room which was large and comfortable enough. 'Here is some mulled Romanee for monsieur le baron,' he said, as he handed me the goblet; 'his lordship the count will observe that the best room has been kept for him, and later on I will have the pleasure of setting the finest dinner in France before the most noble marquis; good night, monseigneur, good night and good dreams,' and he tottered off, leaving me to drink the mulled wine, which was superb, and to sleep the sleep of the utterly weary. It was late when I awoke and found Jacques in my room, attending to my things. The rest had done my leg good, although it was still stiff, and the wearing of a long boot painful. As I finished my toilet I asked my man, 'Horses ready?' 'They will be by the time Monsieur has dined. I shall put the valises on the nag we got at Evreux for you.' 'Right. _Morbleu!_ I hear M. d'Aubusson below. It is very late.' 'It has just gone the dinner hour.' I hurried downstairs, leaving Jacques to pack, and was only just in time to receive my guest. 'A hundred pardons, monsieur; but I overslept myself.' ''Tis a sleepy place,' he answered, 'there is nothing to do but to sleep.' 'Surely there is something to love.' 'Not a decent ankle under a petticoat.' 'At any rate we can eat. Come, sit you down. My ride has made me hungry as a wolf, and I have far to go.' The dinner was excellent, the Armagnac of the finest vintage, and d'Aubusson to all appearances a gay frank-hearted fellow, and we became very friendly as the wine cup passed. 'Tell me what induced M. de Sancy to quarter his company here?' I asked towards the close of the meal, as the lieutenant was cursing his luck at being stationed at Rouvres.