He obeyed, and we moved onwards: the horses contrived with some difficulty to drag the shattered vehicle after us. My servant was become almost speechless, and I began to feel the effects of the cold myself, before we reached the wished-for cottage. It was a small but neat building: as we drew near it, I rejoiced at observing through the window the blaze of a comfortable fire. Our conductor knocked at the door: it was some time before anyone answered; the people within seemed in doubt whether we should be admitted.

“Come! Come, friend Baptiste!” cried the driver with impatience; “What are you about? Are you asleep? Or will you refuse a night’s lodging to a gentleman, whose chaise has just broken down in the forest?”

“Ah! is it you, honest Claude?” replied a man’s voice from within; “Wait a moment, and the door shall be opened.”

Soon after the bolts were drawn back. The door was unclosed, and a man presented himself to us with a lamp in his hand. He gave the guide an hearty reception, and then addressed himself to me.

“Walk in, Monsieur; walk in, and welcome! Excuse me for not admitting you at first: but there are so many rogues about this place, that saving your presence, I suspected you to be one.”