Roland was, in fact, just passing the windows at a gallop. “Do you still want chamber No. 1, Monsieur de Jayat?” asked the landlord. “Why do you ask?” “Because it is the best one, and if you don’t take it, I shall give it to that man, provided he wants to make any stay.” “Oh! don’t bother about me; I shan’t know till later in the day whether I go or stay. If the new-comer means to remain give him No. l. I will content myself with No. 2.” “The gentleman is served,” said the waiter, looking through the door which led from the kitchen to the common room. Montbar nodded and accepted the invitation. He entered the common room just as Roland came into the kitchen. The dinner was on the table. Montbar changed his plate and sat down with his back to the door. The precaution was useless. Roland did not enter the common room, and Montbar breakfasted without interruption. When dessert was over, however, the host himself brought in his coffee. Montbar understood that the good man was in talkative humor; a fortunate circumstance, for there were certain things he was anxious to hear about. “Well,” said Montbar, “what became of our man? Did he only change horses?” “No, no, no,” said the landlord; “as you said, he’s an aristocrat. He ordered breakfast in his own room.” “His room or my room?” asked Montbar; “for I’m certain you put him in that famous No. 1.” “Confound it! Monsieur de Jayat, it’s your own fault. You told me I could do as I liked.” “And you took me at my word; that was right. I shall be satisfied with No. 2.” “You’ll be very uncomfortable. It’s only separated from No. 1 by a partition, and you can hear everything that happens from one room to the other.” “Nonsense, my dear man, do you think I’ve come here to do improper things, or sing seditious songs, that you are afraid the stranger should hear or see what I do?” “Oh! that’s not it.” “What is it then?” “I’m not afraid you’ll disturb others. I’m afraid they’ll disturb you.” “So your new guest is a roisterer?” “No; he looks to me like an officer.” “What makes you think so?” “His manner, in the first place. Then he inquired what regiment was in garrison at Mâcon; and when I told him it was the 7th mounted Chasseurs, he said: ‘Good! the colonel is a friend of mine. Can a waiter take him my card and ask him to breakfast with me?’” “Ah, ha!” “So you see how it is. When officers get together they make so much racket and noise. Perhaps they’ll not only breakfast, but dine and sup together.” “I’ve told you already, my good man, that I am not sure of passing the night here. I am expecting letters from Paris, _paste restante_, which will decide me. In the meantime, light a fire in No. 2, and make as little noise as possible, to avoid annoying my neighbors. And, at the same time, send me up pen and ink, and some paper. I have letters to write.” Montbar’s orders were promptly executed, and he himself followed the waiter to see that Roland was not disturbed by his proximity.