"How the Passeyr is swollen already!" said the Capuchin.
"Is the water out?" cried the traveller, suddenly. "Then I don't know that I've any mind to go on."
"Pooh, pooh!" said the Sandwirth, rather impatiently, "the river cannot have overflowed its banks. You see it has not hindered these foot-travellers. However, sir," changing his tone to one more conciliatory, "if you will oblige us with your company, you shall have as good and clean a bed as any in the Tyrol, though I cannot promise you a flounced pillow and satin damask coverlet, such as you might get at Botzen."
"No, no, I'll take my chance," said the man of indecision. "Is there any one here that will see me through the valley?"
"You cannot well miss your road, sir; but my boy Johann shall start you on it, if you will."
"Thank you; I will give him a few kreutzers."
"No need, sir, thank you."
And the Sandwirth saw him out, and gave him some encouragement about the weather, and watched him off; and then returned laughing. The others laughed too.
"Gone at last!" exclaimed Franz. "I thought he never would make up his mind."
"Now for business," said Speckbacher, looking eager.