But at the moment he was about to fly into a passion, so as to procure either a horse or an explanation, he was struck with the recollection that the Comte de la Fere lived in the neighborhood.
"I am not traveling," said he; "I do not want horses for a whole stage.

Find me two horses to go and pay a visit to a nobleman of my acquaintance who resides near this place." "What nobleman ?" asked the postmaster.
"M.

le Comte de la Fere." "Oh!" replied the postmaster, uncovering with respect, "a very worthy nobleman.

But, whatever may be my desire to make myself agreeable to him, I cannot furnish you with horses, for all mine are engaged by M.le Duc de Beaufort." "Indeed!" said Aramis, much disappointed.
"Only," continued the postmaster, "if you will put up with a little carriage I have, I will harness an old blind horse who has still his legs left, and peradventure will draw you to the house of M.le Comte de la Fere." "It is worth a louis," said Aramis.
"No, monsieur, such a ride is worth no more than a crown; that is what M.Grimaud, the comte's intendant, always pays me when he makes use of that carriage; and I should not wish the Comte de la Fere to have to reproach me with having imposed on one of his friends." "As you please," said Aramis, "particularly as regards disobliging the Comte de la Fere; only I think I have a right to give you a louis for your idea." "Oh! doubtless," replied the postmaster with delight.

And he himself harnessed the ancient horse to the creaking carriage.