234 THE MOTHER OF VICTOR HUGO. only vehicle she could obtain, in which they traveled the rest of the way. Although Joseph was called King of Spain, he was master only of Madrid and the places actually occupied by the French army. All traveling was consequently difficult and somewhat dangerous, and to travel alone was impossible. Madame Hugo and her sons therefore joined at Irun an armed convoy that was going to the Spanish capital. This escort consisted of fifteen hundred infantry, five hundred horse, and four pieces of artillery. The first difficulty occurred before starting. The best place in the line of march, because the most thoroughly pro- tected, was that nearest to the treasure which the train conveyed. Countess Hugo, as the wife of the Governor of two provinces, claimed this position, which was dis- puted by another lady, the Duchess of Villa-Hermosa, wiio could not think of allowing a French lady, and one of inferior rank, to take precedence of her. The matter was finally settled by a reference to the Duke of Cotadilla, the commander of the expedition, who with true Spanish politeness awarded the place of honor to the stranger. Madame Hugo gave the word ; the big carriage drawn by six sturdy mules took its place next the treasure ; and then amid much cracking of whips and shouting of drivers, the long procession started upon its way. Poor Madame Hugo ! Her miseries began at once. In Spain, from the time of Caesar, wagon wheels were not made with spokes, but each consisted of a solid circle of wood that squeaked fearfully at every revolution ; and to this ear-splitting music the cortege advanced. The first halt was at Ernani, a city which she found grim and melancholy, though Victor was so impressed by it that he gave its name to one of his most noted plays. In every city which had not been destroyed by the war, the inhabit- ants were obliged to furnish the convoy with food,
