"Why not?"
"Does it make any difference to you if you reach Arras at four o'clock to-morrow morning?"
"Of course it does."
"There is one thing to be said about hiring post-horses; have you your passport, sir?"
"Yes."
"Well, if you take post-horses, you will not reach Arras before to-morrow. We are on a cross-country road. The relays are badly served, and the horses are out at work. This is the ploughing season, and as strong teams are required, horses are taken anywhere, from the post-houses like the rest. You will have to wait three or four hours, sir, at each station, and only go at a foot-pace, for there are many hills to ascend."
"Well, I will ride. Take the horse out. I suppose I can purchase a saddle here?"
"Of course, but will this horse carry a saddle?"
"No, I remember now that it will not."
"In that case—"