“ C’est que, voyez-vous, il fait noir ,” said he.

I told him that was just my reason for requiring help.

“I understand that,” said he, looking uncomfortable; “ mais⁠—c’est⁠—de la peine. ”

I was willing to pay, I said. He shook his head. I rose as high as ten francs; but he continued to shake his head. “Name your own price, then,” said I.

“ Ce n’est pas ça ,” he said at length, and with evident difficulty; “but I am not going to cross the door⁠— mais je ne sortirai pas de la porte. ”

I grew a little warm, and asked him what he proposed that I should do.