"It is to go to the Caldron."
"Well, Simon hasn't been very well since morning; he hasn't much strength, and he can't go out. But don't worry yourself; there is some one who can replace him—there is Blacky."
"All right, let it be Blacky, then."
"Only I must tell you that Blacky isn't a person."
"Not a person?"
"No, he's our dog."
"A dog? What do you mean?"
"Yes, Blacky; and he will guide you very well—quite as well as my husband. He is in the habit of—"
"In the habit?"
"Certainly; for years and years Simon took him along, so he learned the different places, and now he does very well all by himself. He has often taken travellers, and we have always been complimented about him. As for intelligence, don't be afraid—he has as much as you or I. He needs only speech, but speech isn't required. If it was to show a monument, now—why, yes, for then it would be necessary to give some account and know the historical dates; but here there are only the beauties of nature. Take Blacky, and it will be cheaper also; my husband would cost three francs, whereas Blacky is only thirty sous, and he will show you as much for thirty sous as my husband would for three francs."