"It is not forbidden," said the traveller; "but you know at night, and in these times, it is advisable to converse at a certain distance."
"The deuce! I cannot distinguish what is advisable from what is not. You seemed unable to find your way; I saw it, and I said to myself, as I am a good fellow, 'Here is a Christian who does not seem to know his way about, so I will direct him.' You called to me to come to you, and here I am. You do not need me; good-by!"
"Your pardon, friend," said the other, restraining him with a gesture, "the movement of my horse was an involuntary one. I do really need you, and you can do me a service."
"What is it? Tell me. Oh! I bear no malice."
"Do you belong to this region?"
"I come from Saint-Rémy, near by. You can see the church from here."
"Then you know the neighborhood?"
"I should think so. I am a fisherman by trade. There is not a run of water for thirty miles around into which I have not cast my lines."
"Then you must know the abbey of Seillon?"
"Do I know the abbey of Seillon! I should think so. But I can't say as much for the monks."