"Alas, yes!" replied Michel.
"So much the better, and not alas at all! You can enrich your wife, and that seems to me a great happiness. In all cases, in all loves, there are certain little difficulties to overcome, and if Petit-Pierre can help you at any time you have only to call upon him; he will be most happy to recognize in that way the services you have been good enough to render him. But, if I'm not mistaken, here comes some one toward us. Listen; don't you hear a tread?"
The steps of a man now became distinctly audible. They were still at some distance, but were coming nearer.
"I think the man is alone," said Petit-Pierre.
"Yes; but we must not be the less on our guard," replied the baron. "I shall ask your permission to mount that horse in front of you."
"Willingly; but are you already tired?"
"No, not at all. Only, I am well known in the neighborhood, and if I were seen on foot leading a horse on which a peasant was riding, as Haman led Mordecai, it might give rise to a good deal of speculation."
"Bravo! what you say is very true. I begin to think we shall make something of you in the end."
Petit-Pierre jumped to the ground. Michel mounted; and Petit-Pierre placed herself humbly behind him. They were hardly settled in their seats before they came within thirty yards of an individual who was walking in their direction, and whose steps now ceased abruptly.
"Oh! oh!" said Petit-Pierre; "it seems that if we are afraid of him, he is afraid of us."