"That fellow has the proper spirit," he declared. "Shall we place ourselves in his care?" "I'm afraid I can't go any farther," she answered wearily. Monsieur Soucin came out, looking to be in anything but the mood of the gay lamb before his door. "Two rooms, a little supper, and some breakfast," explained Monte. "But we must strike a bargain. We are not American tourists--merely two travelers of the road without much gold and a long way to go." "I have but a single louis d'or," put in madame. "Monsieur! Madame!" interrupted Soucin. "I am sorry, but I cannot accommodate you at any price. In the next village a regiment of soldiers have arrived. I have had word that I must receive here ten officers. They come at seven to-night." "But look here--madame is very tired," frowned Monte. "I am sorry," answered Soucin helplessly. Monte stepped nearer and jingled the gold in his pocket. "Doubtless the next village in that case is without accommodations also," said Monte. "We will strike no bargain. Name your price up to ten louis d'or; for madame must rest." Soucin shook his head. "I am giving up my own room. I must sleep in the kitchen--if I sleep at all; which, mon Dieu, is doubtful." "Supposing we had arrived yesterday, would you have turned us out to-night?" "The inquiry was made how many rooms I had, and I answered truthfully." Madame had sunk down on a bench by the door. Monte stared up the road and down the road. There was no other house in sight. "You could not find a bed for madame even for ten louis d'or?" "Not for a thousand, monsieur. If there are no beds, there are no beds." Yet there was room enough thereabouts. Behind the inn an olive orchard extended up a gentle incline to a stone wall. Over this the sun was descending in a blaze of glory. A warm breeze stirred the dark leaves of the trees. A man could sleep out of doors on such a night as this. Monte turned again to the man. "The orchard behind the house is yours?" he asked. "Yes, monsieur." "Then," said Monte, "if you will spare us a few blankets, madame and I will sleep there." "Upon the ground?" "Upon the blankets," smiled Monte. "Ah, monsieur is from America!" exclaimed Soucin, as if that explained everything. "Truly." "And it is so the Indians sleep, I have read." "You have read well. But we must have supper before the officers arrive. You can spare some bread and cheese?" "I will do that." "Then make it ready at once. And some coffee?" "Yes, monsieur." Monte returned to madame. "I have engaged two rooms in the olive orchard," he announced. CHAPTER XXIX BENEATH THE STARS