important business on hand."

"Monsieur has travelled?" said the landlord, with a glance at his boots.

"Yes," he answered, "and one feels safer inside Rochelle than beyond its
walls, let me tell you!"

"What is Anjou doing now, monsieur?" asked a man at one of the other
tables.

"Killing," said the stranger briefly. "Rochelle will soon be able to
hold all those left of the Religion."

"I vow," exclaimed an iron-featured trooper, "it makes one wonder our
leaders should keep us cooped up here."

"You had better offer your opinion to the Admiral, or to Condé," said
the stranger with a laugh, and he turned his attention to the food that
had been set before him.

He ate and drank quickly, taking no further part in the conversation,
but apparently as much at ease as if sitting at Anjou's table.

"You will require a room, monsieur?" said the host presently.

"I will pay for one, though I may not use it."

"And your horse, monsieur?"

"Will remain in the stables."