"The count had gone to bed; but as soon as he received the letter he
got up. He is now dressing himself; and they are putting the horse in
the tilbury. The count is to spend the night at Cinq-Cygne."

"He must be some great personage."

"Oh, yes, monsieur; for Gothard, the steward of Cinq-Cygne, came this
morning to see his brother-in-law Poupart, and warned him to be very
discreet about the gentleman and to serve him like a king."

"Vinet must be right," thought the sub-prefect. "Can there be some
cabal on foot?"

"It was Duc Georges de Maufrigneuse who sent Gothard to the Mulet.
Poupart came to the meeting here this morning only because the
gentleman wished him to do so; if he had sent him to Paris, he'd go.
Gothard told Poupart to keep silent about the gentleman, and to fool
all inquisitive people."

"If you can get Anicette here, don't fail to let me know," said
Antonin.

"But I could see her at Cinq-Cygne if monsieur would send me to his
house at Val-Preux."

"That's an idea. You might profit by the chariot to get there. But
what reason could you give to the little groom?"

"He's a madcap, that boy, monsieur. Would you believe it, drunk as he
is, he has just mounted his master's thoroughbred, a horse that can do