"Follow a direction diametrically opposed to those gentlemen."
"Forward, then, without losing another minute," cried Petit-Pierre, running toward the road.
"Oh! wait, wait a moment!" cried Bonneville. "Not in that way, if you please. Your Highness must--"
"Bonneville," said Petit-Pierre, "don't forget our agreement."
"True; Madame must please excuse--"
"Again! why, you are incorrigible!"
"I was about to say that Petit-Pierre must allow me to take him on my back."
"Very good; here's a great stone that seems planted here for the very purpose. Come nearer, count; come nearer."
Petit-Pierre was already on the stone as he spoke. The young count approached, and Petit-Pierre mounted astride his shoulders.
"You take to it famously," said Bonneville, starting.