Then they took their places, and were ferried over.

A party of soldiers were posted at the landing place.
"You are going to Nantes, I suppose, citizens ?" the officer in command asked.
"We are.

We come from Vallet, and are going to consult the commissary of the republic concerning some taxes that, as we consider, it is impossible for the town to pay, which the commissary there has imposed upon us." "I should imagine that your errand is scarcely likely to meet with success," the officer said, with a light smile.

"I hear the same complaints at Nantes, but have not heard that any remission has been made.

Well, citizens, at any rate I can wish you luck on your errand." It was still very early when they rode into Nantes, and but few people were about the streets.