"Parbleu! how does he suppose that these clowns, these idiots should know my château?" said Robineau to himself.
"But you know the town of Saint-Amand?" said Edouard.
"Saint-Amand-Talende—oh, yes, monsieur!"
"Are we far from it?"
"Not very—still, it’s some distance."
"Look you, my good man—these three tall fellows are your sons, I’ll wager."
The peasant made an affirmative movement with his head.
"Well! as they must know these mountains by heart, do us the favor to give us one of them for a guide—all three, if they prefer; we will pay them well."
"Yes," said Robineau, "we’ll pay them at the town; our money is there."
The peasants looked at one another for some time without speaking; then the father asked his sons: