As it approached, a coloured lamp dangling from one of the trees shone upon the blue and silver of an officer of the guards.
It was Major de Brissac, of De Catinat's own regiment.
"Hullo! Whither away ?" he asked.
"To Paris, major." "I go there myself within an hour.

Will you not wait, that we may go together ?" "I am sorry, but I ride on a matter of urgency.

I must not lose a minute." "Very good.

Good-night, and a pleasant ride." "Is he a trusty man, our friend the major ?" asked Amos Green, glancing back.
"True as steel." "Then I would have a word with him." The American hurried back along the way they had come, while De Catinat stood chafing at this unnecessary delay.

It was a full five minutes before his companion joined him, and the fiery blood of the French soldier was hot with impatience and anger.
"I think that perhaps you had best ride into Paris at your leisure, my friend," said he.