"Very good, master captain of the guards," said Canolles, "pick up your hat and answer." The captain executed the first branch of Canolles' injunction like one who had studied that excellent maxim of military discipline: "To know how to command, one must know how to obey." "Captain of the guards!" continued Canolles. "_Peste!_ that's a fine post to hold!" "Why, yes, monsieur, well enough; but what then?" observed that official, drawing himself up. "Don't swell out so much, Monsieur le Capitaine," said Canolles, "or you will burst off the last button, and your breeches will fall down about your heels, which would be most disgraceful." "But who are you, monsieur?" demanded the pretended captain, taking his turn at asking questions. "Monsieur, I will follow the example of urbanity set by you, and will answer your question as you answered mine. I am captain in the regiment of Navailles, and I come hither in the king's name as his ambassador, clothed with powers--which will be exerted in a peaceful or violent manner, according as his Majesty's commands are or are not obeyed." "Violent!" cried the pretended captain. "In a violent manner?" "Very violent, I give you warning." "Even where her Highness is personally concerned?" "Why not? Her Highness is his Majesty's first subject, nothing more." "Monsieur, do not resort to force; I have fifty men-at-arms ready to avenge her Highness's honor." Canolles did not choose to tell him that his fifty men-at-arms were simply footmen and scullions, fit troops to serve under such a leader, and that, so far as the princess's honor was concerned, it was at that moment riding along the Bordeaux road with the princess. He replied simply, with that indifferent air which is more terrifying than an open threat, and is familiar to brave men and those who are accustomed to danger:-- "If you have fifty men-at-arms, Monsieur le Capitaine, I have two hundred soldiers, who form the advance-guard of the royal army. Do you propose to put yourself in open rebellion against his Majesty?" "No, monsieur, no!" the stout man hastened to reply, sadly crestfallen; "God forbid! but I beg you to bear me witness that I yield to force alone." "That is the least I can do for you as your brother-in-arms." "Very well; then I will take you to Madame the Princess Dowager, who is not yet asleep." Canolles had no need to reflect to appreciate the terrible danger that lay hidden in this snare; but he turned it aside without ceremony, thanks to his omnipotence. "My orders are, not to see Madame the Princess Dowager, but the younger princess."