About four o'clock
I suppose your regiment is at Mézieres ? '' `` Why , no , '' he answered carelessly , and lowering his voice , he added , `` the truth is I am despatched on a special service . I can not very well say more but -- '' `` No , no , keep your secret , '' I interrupted hastily ; `` it is enough for me that you are on the King 's side , '' at which the rascal smiled pleasantly , thinking how easy it would be to pluck such a simple goose . About four o'clock we approached the village of Verdu , when , oddly enough , my horse began to show signs of distress , and I was compelled to slacken pace . The captain expressed his sorrow , and would not hear of riding on alone . `` No , '' said he , `` it is not my custom to leave a comrade in the lurch . We will push on together , and perhaps in the village you may be able to purchase or hire another animal which will carry you as far as Mézieres .