"Not at all, monsieur. I do not feel sleepy. I will waken you in good time."
Feeling refreshed by the short rest I was just remounting when a rough, sturdy-looking fellow came along, riding a powerful horse.
"Good-day, messieurs," he said, glancing at us, I thought, very keenly; "am I on the right track for Nevers?"
"Yes," I answered rather curtly.
"Perhaps monsieur is himself going there? I am a stranger in these parts."
"No," I replied, "we are not going to the town, but you cannot miss the way."
He hung about for some time, trying to make conversation, but presently rode on, and a bend in the road hid him from our view.
"An ugly customer to meet on a dark night, Jacques," I remarked.
"Let us push on, monsieur; that fellow meant us no good. Did you notice his speech?"