"All these people combine against us," he thought; "it is allowable to
baffle them-- Pierrotin," he said in a low voice as the man passed
him, "I promised you ten louis to keep my secret; but if you continue
to conceal my name (and remember, I shall know if you pronounce it, or
make the slightest sign that reveals it to any one, no matter who,
here or at Isle-Adam, before to-night), I will give you to-morrow
morning, on your return trip, the thousand francs you need to pay for
your new coach. Therefore, by way of precaution," added the count,
striking Pierrotin, who was pale with happiness, on the shoulder,
"don't go in there to breakfast; stay with your horses."

"Monsieur le comte, I understand you; don't be afraid! it relates to
Pere Leger, of course."

"It relates to every one," replied the count.

"Make yourself easy.--Come, hurry," said Pierrotin, a few moments
later, putting his head into the kitchen. "We are late. Pere Leger,
you know there's a hill to climb; I'm not hungry, and I'll drive on
slowly; you can soon overtake me,--it will do you good to walk a bit."

"What a hurry you are in, Pierrotin!" said the inn-keeper. "Can't you
stay and breakfast? The colonel here pays for the wine at fifty sous,
and has ordered a bottle of champagne."

"I can't. I've got a fish I must deliver by three o'clock for a great
dinner at Stors; there's no fooling with customers, or fishes,
either."