"And?" the stranger asked, in an enquiring tone, which caused the host to shudder.
"Well, Monseigneur," he resumed in a choking voice, "these gentlemen insist on having the hostelry to themselves, and made me swear not to receive any other traveller but themselves, and paid me to that effect."
"Very good," said the stranger, with an air of indifference.
"What do you say; very good? Monseigneur," Master Pivois exclaimed.
"Hang it! What else would you have me say? You have strictly fulfilled your engagement, and no one has the right to reproach you."
"How so, sir?"
"Unless you have someone concealed here," the stranger answered, imperturbably, "which, I confess, would not be at all honourable on your part."
"I have nobody."
"Well, then?"
"But you, monseigneur?" he hazarded timidly.