The servant came closer.
"Monsieur spent last night at a rendezvous, and has been nearly all day on horseback," he said.
"No matter," said the guide. "This gentleman must see him; he comes from Monsieur Pascal, and is going to join Petit-Pierre."
"In that case it is different," said the servant. "I will wake monsieur."
"Ask him," said the traveller, "if he can give me a safe guide; a guide is all I want."
"I do not think monsieur would do that," said the servant.
"Why not?"
"Because he will wish to guide monsieur himself," said the man.
He re-entered the house. In five minutes he returned.
"Monsieur wishes to know if monsieur will take anything, or whether he prefers to continue his journey without delay."