"Here I am, at your service, monsieur," he said; "what can I do for you?"
"Come still nearer, monsieur," continued he at the window; "or what I have to tell you cannot be told aloud. Put on your hat, for we must make them think that we are old acquaintances, and that you were coming to this inn to see me."
"But I don't understand, monsieur," said the traveller.
"You will understand directly; meanwhile put on your hat—good! Now come near, nearer! Give me your hand! That's it! Delighted to see you! Now listen; do not ride on beyond this inn, or you are lost!"
"What's the matter? Really, you terrify me," said the traveller, with a smile.
"The matter is that you are on your way to yonder little house where we see the light, are you not?"
The horseman started.
"Well, on the road to that house, at the bend in the road, in yonder dark thicket, four men are lying in wait for you."
"Oho!" exclaimed the traveller, gazing with all his eyes at the young man, who was quite pale. "Indeed! you are sure?"
"I saw them ride up, one after another, get down from their horses, and hide,—some behind the trees, others behind rocks. Lastly, when you rode out of the village just now, I heard them cock their muskets."