"They didn't know the road, you see——"
"But you can furnish us with a guide?"
"Yes, but not to-day."
"And why not?"
"Because I am alone in the house."
The mountebanks had by this time finished their meal. Gudel came toward the two men.
"If these gentlemen desire it," he said, politely, "I will take them on early to-morrow morning in my wagon."
"That is an excellent idea!" cried the innkeeper. "With Iron Jaws there is no danger."
The strange costume worn by Gudel, and the equally strange name by which Schwann called him, did not seem to amaze the two strangers. They consulted each other with a look, and then courteously accepted the offer.
"I give a little representation here to-night," Gudel continued, "and start at an early hour for Rémisemont."