They are my own horses, and good ones.
Twelve troopers will accompany you; three of these will remain behind at each stage where you change, and the horses that you have used will be brought on at a more leisurely pace after you.

They will readily find out in Paris where you are lodged, and I beg that you will retain the horses as a slight proof of my goodwill." Then he waved his hand and went into his tent again.

The three lackeys, each holding a spare horse, were sitting in readiness for a start some fifty yards away.

After a moment's conversation the officers rode up to them.
"You must follow us quietly," one of them said.

"For today you can keep up with us to the end of the first stage.