“I thought there was a third—namely, the Chéne-Populeux road.”
“I don’t think that road leads through the forest at all; but I will ask our driver.”
The General did so.
The bumpkin only shook his head.
“I only know,” he said, “the road I’m accustomed to travel, and that’s not it. Beyond that, I can’t tell you anything; but,” he added, nodding towards me, “if you want to know all about this part of the country, why, there’s the nephew of Father Descharmes, who knows it all blindfold. Hilloa, boy! come and speak to these gentlemen!”
I approached, cap in hand, for the look of the elder traveller inspired me with respect.
“Friend,” said the General, seeing that I waited till he spoke to me; “we want to know where the Chéne-Populeux road leads from, and if it takes you through the forest, or round by the outskirts?”
“It leads from Stenay, monsieur, takes round by the forest, and opens upon Voneg, at the River Aisne.”
“Ah, now we have it, Thévenot; but as, so far as I can remember, the Chéne-Populeux road is only a narrow defile, I still hold my original opinion.”
“Will you get in now, gentlemen?” asked the postilion. “My horses are well breathed by this time.”