A farmer does not ride about the country on a horse fit for a king, or put up at a cottage like this." "Yes; you can help me by leading me by quiet paths to Erfurt.

I tell you frankly that my business, there, is to find out how strong the French and Confederacy army is, in and around the town; also whether they are taking any precautions against an attack, and if there are any signs that they intend to enter Hanover, or to move towards Dresden." "I daresay I can learn all that for you, without difficulty; for I supply several of the inns with faggots.

There are troops quartered in all of them, and the helpers and servants are sure to hear what is going on.

Not, of course, in the inns where the French are quartered, but where the German men are lodged.

They speak plainly enough there, and indeed everyone knows that a great many of them are there against their will.