Munching his crust he entered the common-room where his men were at table with a steaming ragout before them.
"Garin," he said to the corporal, "in a half-hour the landlord will be able to provide you with fresh horses.

You will set out at once to follow me along the road to Liege.

I am starting immediately." Garin, with the easy familiarity of the Republican soldier, bade him take some thought of his exhausted condition, and snatch at least the half-hour's rest that was to be theirs.

But La Boulaye was out of the room before he had finished.

A couple of minutes later they heard a clatter of departing hoofs, and La Boulaye was gone along the road too Liege in pursuit of the ladies of Bellecour..