"From Machecoul; I went there to buy an ox."
"Where is your ox? I don't see it."
"No, I couldn't make a trade. These damned politics hinder business, and there's nothing now in the market," said Courtin, who was carefully examining, as well as he could in the darkness, the horse on which the young baron was mounted.
Then, as Michel dropped the conversation, he continued:--
"But how is it you are turning your back to La Logerie at this time of night?"
"That's not surprising; I am going to Souday."
"Might I observe that you are not altogether on the road to Souday?"
"I know that; but I was afraid the road was guarded, so I have made a circuit."
"In that case,--I mean if you are really going to Souday," said Courtin,--"I think I ought to give you a bit of advice."
"Well, give it; sincere advice is always useful."