On to the
Candlestick! I know a mellow vintage; and we three shall put the
candle out to-night."
And the three of them made off for the Candlestick.
Dawn. A Swiss leaned sleepily against one of the stone abutments which
supported the barriers of the Porte Saint Antoine. These barriers
would not be raised for the general public till nine; yet the Swiss,
rubbing his gummed eyes, saw the approach of three men, one of whom was
leading a handsome Spanish jennet. The three men walked unevenly, now
and then laughing uproariously and slapping one another on the back.
Presently one stepped upon a slippery cobble and went sprawling into
the snow, to the great merriment of his companions, who had some
difficulty in raising the fallen man to his feet.
"Go along with you, Messieurs," said the Swiss enviously; "you are all
drunk."
"Go along yourself," said Georges, assuming a bacchanalian pose.
"What do you want?" asked the Swiss, laughing.
"To pass this gentleman out of the city," said Georges; "and here is
the order."
"Very good," replied the Swiss.
The Chevalier climbed into the saddle. Breton was to follow with the
personal effects.
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