"He's probably being officious," said I, getting our papers ready. "We're strangers, and he's in a bad humour. Consequently, he's going to scrutinise our triptyque, passports, passes and certificates, to see if he can accuse us of anything. Happily they're all in order, so he'll be disappointed. When he's thoroughly satisfied that he can bring no charge against us, he'll order us to proceed."
"He's taking his time about it," observed my brother-in-law.
I looked up from the documents.
My gentleman was still talking to the postman, while his pig's eyes were still surveying the car. From his companion's demeanour, he seemed to be whetting his wit at our expense.
"This is intolerable," said I. "Ask him what he wants, lady."
Adèle leaned forward and put her head out of the window.
"I think you wished us to stop, Monsieur?"
The gendarme waved his hand.
"Wait," he said insolently.
The postman sniggered shamefacedly.