This inn had for a landlord a certain
Jacquin Labarre, a man of consideration in the town on account of his
relationship to another Labarre, who kept the inn of the Three Dauphins in
Grenoble, and had served in the Guides.
At the time
of the Emperor's landing, many rumors had circulated throughout the country
with regard to this inn of the Three Dauphins.
It was said
that General Bertrand, disguised as a carter, had made frequent trips thither
in the month of January, and that he had distributed crosses of honor to the
soldiers and handfuls of gold to the citizens.
The truth
is, that when the Emperor entered Grenoble
he had refused to install himself at the hotel of the prefecture; he had
thanked the mayor, saying, "I am going to the house of a brave man of my
acquaintance"; and he had betaken himself to the Three Dauphins.
This glory
of the Labarre of the Three Dauphins was reflected upon the Labarre of the
Cross of Colbas, at a distance of five and twenty leagues. It was said of him
in the town, "That is the cousin of the man of Grenoble ."
The man bent
his steps towards this inn, which was the best in the country-side. He entered
the kitchen, which opened on a level with the street.
All the
stoves were lighted; a huge fire blazed gayly in the fireplace.
The host,
who was also the chief cook, was going from one stew-pan to another, very
busily superintending an excellent dinner designed for the wagoners, whose loud
talking, conversation, and laughter were audible from an adjoining apartment.
Any one who has travelled knows that there is no one who indulges in better
cheer than wagoners.
A fat
marmot, flanked by white partridges and heather-cocks, was turning on a long
spit before the fire; on the stove, two huge carps from Lake
Lauzet and a trout from Lake Alloz
were cooking.
The host,
hearing the door open and seeing a newcomer enter, said, without raising his
eyes from his stoves:--
"What
do you wish, sir?"
"Food
and lodging," said the man.
"Nothing
easier," replied the host.
At that
moment he turned his head, took in the traveller's appearance with a single
glance, and added, "By paying for it."
The man drew
a large leather purse from the pocket of his blouse, and answered, "I have
money."
"In
that case, we are at your service," said the host.
The man put
his purse back in his pocket, removed his knapsack from his back, put it on the
ground near the door, retained his stick in his hand, and seated himself on a
low stool close to the fire. D---- is in the mountains.
The evenings are cold there
in October.
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