About four miles from the town we entered the street of a straggling village. It was a half after ten; the lights in the cottages were out; the villagers had retired to bed.
"Shall we do any good by knocking up the landlord of the inn?" I asked.
"We shall probably learn the village gossip, and if the marshal is anywhere near Arnay-le-Duc it will be known here."
"True," said my comrade; "let us lead the animals into the yard. Edmond, hammer at the door!"
The landlord was in bed, but he came down quickly, and, having shown us into his best room, proceeded to draw the wine which Felix ordered.
"You are in bed early," I remarked on his return. "Have you no guests in the house?"
"We expected to meet with some of the king's troops here: have they passed through already?"
"There have been no soldiers in the village, monsieur."
"If monsieur means Marshal Cossé's army, it is ten miles off. At least Philippe said so when he came home this evening."
"He lives in the village, monsieur; he could guide you to the soldiers. Shall I fetch him?"
"Yes," I replied, "and waste no time. Jacques," and I glanced at my servant meaningly, "you might go with the worthy host."
They returned in less than half an hour, bringing with them a short, thin man, spare in build, but tough and wiry. His eyes were sharp and bright, and his face was shrewd and full of intelligence.
"Are you a good Catholic, Philippe?" I asked.
His glance passed from me to Felix and back again so swiftly that he might never have taken his gaze from my face. Then he said with the most natural hesitation in the world, and as if fully expecting to suffer for his confession, "I hope monsieur will not be offended, but I belong to the Religion."
"Faith, Philippe," I said, "I guessed you were shrewd; you are the very fellow for our purpose. Since you belong to the Religion"--the rascal's lips twitched ever so slightly--"you will have no scruple in helping us. We are of the Religion, too."
"Is it possible, monsieur?" he said, with a start of well-feigned surprise.
"Now listen to me," I continued; "you know where the marshal's army is. Don't contradict; it will be useless."
"We want to see this army, but we do not wish to introduce ourselves to the soldiers. Now a sharp guide, thoroughly acquainted with the district, can easily lead us to a place from which we can learn all we want to know. Is not that a good scheme?"