"Now for a bonfire," said he, "and then for breakfast; or perhaps we had
better get our breakfast first, and have our bonfire afterwards. Old
gentleman, I have no doubt my men took strange liberties with your
cellar and larder last night. I hope they have left enough about the
place to furnish you with the last meal you will ever eat in this
chateau."
"I know, Sir, what soldiers are in a house," said the old man. "I will
not say that your men are welcome here, for that would be falsehood; but
I begrudge them nothing that they eat and drink"
"Well, that's kind of you; but, considering that all which is not now
eaten and drunk, will be immediately wasted and spoilt, you would
certainly be foolish to allow the consumption of your provisions to make
you uneasy. Here, sergeant," and then Santerre spoke aside to the
sergeant, and gave him various orders, which the man departed to obey.
"And now, General Santerre," said Denot, marching close up to him, "are
you prepared to make good your promise to me? Are you prepared to give
me an escort for myself and this lady, and to allow us to commence our
journey from hence to Saumur?"
Denot's personal appearance had not been at all improved by the blow
which Arthur had given him across his face.
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