“ ‘Thanks,’ replied the jeweller. He then took his cane, which he had placed against an old cupboard, and went out. At the moment when he opened the door, such a gust of wind came in that the lamp was nearly extinguished. ‘Oh,’ said he, ‘this is very nice weather, and two leagues to go in such a storm.’

“ ‘Remain,’ said Caderousse. ‘You can sleep here.’

“ ‘Yes; do stay,’ added La Carconte in a tremulous voice; ‘we will take every care of you.’

“ ‘No; I must sleep at Beaucaire. So, once more, good night.’ Caderousse followed him slowly to the threshold. ‘I can see neither heaven nor earth,’ said the jeweller, who was outside the door. ‘Do I turn to the right, or to the left hand?’

“ ‘To the right,’ said Caderousse. ‘You cannot go wrong⁠—the road is bordered by trees on both sides.’

“ ‘Good⁠—all right,’ said a voice almost lost in the distance.