It was not yet quite time for the diligence to set out. In fact, the horses were not yet harnessed to it; and during the interval Rollo and Mr. George stood by, watching the process of getting the coach ready for the journey, and contrasting the appearance of the vehicle, and of the men employed about it, and the arrangements which they were making, with the corresponding particulars in the setting off of a stage coach as they had witnessed it in America. While doing this Rollo walked about the premises a little; and at length, finding himself near the two children on the chest, he concluded to venture to accost the boy.
"Are you going in this diligence?" said he, speaking in French.
"So am I," said Rollo. "Can you speak English?"
"Yes," said the boy. He spoke the yes in English.
"Are you going to Berne?" asked Rollo.
"I don't know," said the boy.
The girl, who had been looking at Rollo during this conversation, here spoke, and said that they were going to Berne.
"We are going in that diligence," said she.
"So am I," said Rollo. "I have got a seat on the banquette."