Upon reaching Adrados, they encounter French Colonel Dubreton and his sergeant on a similar mission, to free Dubreton's wife. When they meet with "Maréchal" (Marshal) Pot-au-Feu, Sharpe is appalled to discover that Obadiah Hakeswill, his longtime bitter enemy (beginning from Sharpe's Tiger), is Pot-au-Feu's "colonel". They see both ladies are safe and deliver the ransom, but Hakeswill informs them that the money only safeguards the women's virtue, and that they must continue making payments.
Upon arriving at Adrados, they encounter French Colonel Dubreton and his sergeant on a similar mission, to liberate Dubreton's wife. When they meet with "Maréchal" (Marshal) Pot-au-Feu, Sharpe is shocked to discover that Obadiah Hakeswill, his longstanding bitter adversary (beginning from Sharpe's Tiger), is Pot-au-Feu's "colonel". They see both ladies are safe and deliver the ransom, but Hakeswill informs them that the money only protects the women's chastity, and that they must continue making payments.