As time had gone on, and the distance between them and Quebec had decreased, Madelinette had grown paler and stiller.

Yet she was considerate of Madame Marie, and more than once insisted on Havel lying down for a couple of hours, and herself made him a strengthening bowl of soup at the kitchen fire of the inn.

Meanwhile she inquired whether it might be possible to get four horses at the next change, and she offered five gold pieces to a man who would ride on ahead of them and secure the team.
Some magic seemed to bring her the accomplishment of the impossible, for even as she made the offer, and the downcast looks of the landlord were assuring her that her request was futile, there was the rattle of hoofs without, and a petty Government official rode up.

He had come a journey of three miles only, and his horse was fresh.

Agitated, yet ruling herself to composure, Madelinette approached him and made her proposal to him.