The commandant might be here with all his soldiers, but it was I who held the strings.
We came to the little wooden bridge and saw beyond the dark meadows the lights of the house.

All the windows were bright.

Doubtless the troopers were making merry.
'Now, Mademoiselle,' I said quietly, 'I must trouble you to stop here, and give me your attention for a few minutes.

Afterwards you may go your way.' 'Speak!' she said defiantly.

'And be quick! I cannot breathe the air where you are! It poisons me!' 'Ah!' I said slowly.