“Before you give a reason for that opinion, let us have some more wine, dame,” said Pomperant. “Your wine is sound and wholesome.” “Better wine cannot be had in all Dauphiné,” she replied, filling their cups. “Now, then, I'll tell you why I think Bourbon will be caught.” “Ay, tell us that,” said the Constable, emptying his flagon. “I think he will be taken, because he is rash, and exposes himself to needless risk,” said the old woman, looking hard at Bourbon as she spoke. “He is beset with dangers on all sides. The roads are guarded, and there are soldiers in every town in Dauphiné on the lookout for him. Where is he to go?” “If he reaches the mountains, he will be safe,” said Bourbon. “Ah! but he won't reach the mountains if he comes this way,” remarked the hostess. “Why not?--they are close at hand,” asked Bourbon. “Because the provost of Vienne, with a powerful guard, is in the neighbourhood, making active search for him,” said the old woman, in a significant tone; “that is why I think he will be captured.” “She warns me of my danger,” thought Bourbon. “The provost is coming hither from Eclose,” pursued the hostess. “I wouldn't advise Bourbon to take that road.” “I don't think it likely he will take it, my good dame,” said the Constable. “Depend upon it, he will go in quite another direction.” “In which direction can he go?” said the hostess. “I tell you, there are soldiers on every road.” “But there is a cross-road to the mountains,” remarked Hugues. “True, if he could only find it,” she rejoined. “I know it,” said Hugues. “Have you any horses, hostess?” “I have, but I cannot spare them.” “You mean, you dare not let us have them.” “As you will. But you won't get horses in Saint-André, and I advise you not to stay longer than you can help in the neighbourhood.” “We will follow your counsel, good dame,” said Pom-perant, as he and Bourbon rose from the table, and prepared for immediate departure. “Thanks for our entertainment,” he added, giving her a gold crown. “This is too much,” she said. “Keep it, it will bring you luck,” said the Constable. “If Bourbon comes back, show it to him.” “Ah! I dread his coming back!” she exclaimed. “They say if Bourbon escapes, he will return at the head of an army of English and Spaniards, and slaughter us all, like so many sheep.” “His enemies say that of him,” rejoined the Constable. “Hear me. If Bourbon comes back, it will be to liberate the people from oppression, and bring them peace and happiness. He loves France better than the king loves it.” “In that case, I hope he may get away safely, and come back speedily,” said the old woman. “Amen!” cried Bourbon. “Heaven has already delivered him from many dangers, and will not desert him now! Farewell, good dame!” “A good journey to you, messieurs,” she rejoined. “Stay,” she added to Hugues; “though I can't furnish you with horses, I can supply you with provisions, and you will need them in the mountains.”