“Ah! that I don’t know, sir. From curiosity, perhaps.”
“But there is no one who could come but old Andregg; and he would not, surely?”
“No, sir; he is too simple and honest to follow us, unless it were to make sure that we were behaving well to his mule. It must have been that. The animal heard or smelt him, and challenged.”
“But you would have seen him, Melchior.”
“I might, sir, but perhaps not. There are plenty of places where a man might hide who did not wish to be seen.”
“I say, young man,” said Dale, “have you a great love for the mysterious?”
“I do not understand you, herr.”
“I mean, are you disposed to fancy things, and imagine troubles where there are none?”
“No, herr; I think I am rather dull,” said the guide modestly. “Why do you ask?”
“Because that mule made a noise, and you instantly imagined that we were being followed and watched.”