I got out of the city without the slightest difficulty, and left the muleteers at Sarignan, whence I posted to Bologna.
I found out that I could not obtain a passport, for the simple reason that the authorities of the city persisted that it was not necessary; but I knew better, and it was not for me to tell them why.

I resolved to write to the French officer who had treated me so well at the guardhouse.
I begged him to enquire at the war office whether my passport had arrived from Rome, and, if so, to forward it to me.

I also asked him to find out the owner of the horse who had run away with me, offering to pay for it.
I made up my mind to wait for Therese in Bologna, and I informed her of my decision, entreating her to write very often.

The reader will soon know the new resolution I took on the very same day.
EPISODE 3 -- MILITARY CAREER.