He rode well, and the silver and pennies he scattered were most fruitful of effect from the martial elevation.

He happened to be riding into the village at one end as Sergeant Lagroin entered it at the other, each going towards the Louis Quinze.

Valmond knew nothing of Sergeant Lagroin, so that what followed was of the inspiration of the moment.

It sprang from his wit, and from his knowledge of Napoleon and the Napoleonic history, a knowledge which had sent Monsieur Garon into tears of joy in his own home, and afterwards off to the Manor House and also to the Seigneury, full of praise of him.
Catching sight of the sergeant, the significance of the thing flashed to his brain, and his course was mapped out on the instant.

Sitting very straight, Valmond rode steadily down towards the old soldier.