"Thank you," laconically answered the unknown, holding out his hand; "I expected nothing less from you."
"The tumult appears to go farther off; your pursuers, no doubt, give up seeking for you any longer. Follow me; I am, I believe, in a position to offer you better hospitality than you think."
"At the present moment, I want two things."
"What?"
"Food, and two hours sleep."
"And then—?"
"Then—unhappily that does not depend upon you."
"What is it, then?"
"A good horse to carry me as quick as possible to rejoin my companions, that I have left twenty leagues from here."
"Very well You shall first eat; then you shall sleep; then, when you have reposed long enough, you shall choose which of my horses suits you best, and you shall set out."