“Not me, for I could walk.”
“Part way, maybe, but there is no question of that as I see it.”
“What ingenuity, Victor. Who would have thought this out but you?”
“It has been great amusement, I assure you. Bravo! How I shall enjoy driving Master Donkey. He seems a strong little beast, and was glad to see me, the coquin. You should have heard his hee haw when I spoke to him. Now about Paulette, is she able to travel?”
“She is fast recovering. She was stunned by the blow she received from a falling stone and was weak from loss of blood. It was wonderful that she escaped being killed outright. I am sure she will recover even more rapidly when she hears of our good fortune in having such a courier as Mons. Victor Guerin. It is all very dreadful, of course, Victor, and last night I felt as if I could never smile again, but now that my grandfather is safe, Paulette is better, and I have had some food my spirits have risen.”
“Good! then perhaps you will be willing to go with me to recover that donkey. Two are better than one at a task like that. Once the animal is extricated we will feed him, then we will find a wheel for the cart and can be off for a visit to that cow shed that you were so loath to leave.”
“Detestable spot, how can you say I was loath to leave it?”
“When one spends an entire night in a place it is a sign that it has its attractions.”
“Stop teasing. I stayed because there was nothing else to do, as you well know. I never wish to see the place again.”
“Ah, but you will have to go with me to show me where it is.” Victor gave her a merry glance.