"Yes, citizen, and the firing is steady. You had better spend the night here. There is nothing to be gained by going over there."
"I cannot stop. I must continue my journey."
"You are wrong. I do not know anything about your business, but the risk is great, and unless all that you hold dearest in the world is at stake—"
"That is precisely the state of things," replied the rider.
"Now, supposing your son—"
"You are very near the truth," said the rider.
The innkeeper raised his head as he said to himself,—
"And yet I thought this citizen was a priest." Then, after a moment's reflection, he added: "But a priest may have children, after all."
"Put the bridle back on my horse," said the traveller. "How much do I owe you?"
After receiving his pay, the host put the trough and bucket against the wall, and came back to the traveller.