"True, upon my word," said Lepré, who had been asleep an instant. "Hallo, conductor, how long do you remain here?"
"Five minutes."
"Open the door; I am just going to say good day to the post-master."
The door was opened, and Barnau got down with Lepré to renew his provisions. Nearly at the same moment the clerk came forward to see if there were any vacant places.
"Only one," replied Grugel.
"How!" cried Mademoiselle de Locherais, who had just awakened with a start; "would monsieur by any chance ask any one to come in here?"
"A traveller for Lyons."
"But it is quite impossible," resumed the old maid; "we are already frightfully crowded. Monsieur, your coaches are too small; I will complain to the administration."
"Ah! without doubt here is our new companion," said Grugel, who was looking out of the door. "M. Lepré has already seized upon him."
"He is a military man," cried mademoiselle.