They covered eight miles in good time. They passed Paul de Roustache, who had no thought but to avoid them, and, once they were passed, took to the road and made off straight for Sasellano; they reached the descent and trotted gaily down it; they came within ten yards of the ford, and drew up sharply. The lady put her head out; the driver dismounted and took a look at the river.
Shaking his head, he came to the window.
"Your Excellency can't cross to-night," said he.
"I will," cried the lady, no less resolute now than she had been at the inn.
The direct issue again! And if the driver were as obstinate as he looked, the chances of that ultimate victory inclined to the innkeeper's side.
"The water would be inside the carriage," he urged.
"I 'll ride on the box by you," she rejoined.
"It 'll be up to the horses' shoulders."
"The horses don't mind getting wet, I suppose."
"They 'd be carried off their feet."