"Farmer Jacques at home?" he said as he pushed open the door.
"'Tis the limb of Satan," the farmer cried. "Come in. Art hungry? Here's provender."
"You call me a devil and give me the welcome of an angel," said Jean. "There are great things afoot, Farmer Jacques."
"To dreamers like thou art there always are."
"And the river yonder separates you from the world," said Jean. "When were you in the city last?"
"A week ago."
"That's an eternity when things are afoot," said the dwarf.
"True. I was minded to go the other day," said Jacques, "for things have happened on this side of the river too. My horse was stolen in the night."
"Stolen!"
"Ay; saddle and all; and next day, toward evening, came trotting home again. What he'd done with the thief I know not."