"Oh, but the floods!"
"What's the matter with the floods?" said the old soldier.
"The enormous rainfall of the last few weeks has swollen all the mountain lakes," said the host, vivaciously, "and the road to Remiremont is under water, so that it would be impossible for you to pass."
"That would be bad," exclaimed the carman, excitedly.
"It would be dangerous," remarked the old soldier.
"Oh, yes, sir; last year two travellers were drowned between Sainte-Ame and Remiremont; to tell the truth, the gentlemen looked like you!"
"Thanks for the compliment!"
"The gentlemen probably had no guide," said the carman.
"No."