"Parbleu!" exclaimed Petit-Pierre. "Saddle-my-nag was a fashionable game when I was young; I have often played at it."
"A good education, you see, is never wasted," said Bonneville, laughing.
"Count," said Petit-Pierre, "it isn't forbidden to speak, is it?"
"On the contrary."
"Well, then, as you are an old Chouan, and I am only beginning my apprenticeship at Chouannerie, do tell me why I am perched on your shoulders."
"What an inquisitive little person is Petit-Pierre!" said Bonneville.
"No; for I did as you requested, instantly, without discussion, though the position is a rather questionable one, you must admit, for a princess of the House of Bourbon."
"A princess of the House of Bourbon! Is there any such person here?"
"Ah! true. Well then, please to tell me why Petit-Pierre, who can walk and run and jump ditches, is perched on the shoulders of his friend Bonneville, who can't do any of those things with Petit-Pierre on his back."
"Well, I'll tell you; it is because Petit-Pierre has such a tiny foot."