'But surely--'

'No, no, it is impossible.'

'Show me then how to find my way out of the marsh.'

'It is easy enough. If you go a few hundred paces in that direction you
will perceive the lights of a village. You are already almost free of
the marsh.'

He stepped a pace or two from the door in order to point the way for me,
and then turned upon his heel. I had already taken a stride or two away
from him and his inhospitable hut, when he suddenly called after me.

'Come, Monsieur Laval,' said he, with quite a different ring in his
voice; 'I really cannot permit you to leave me upon so tempestuous a
night. A warm by my fire and a glass of brandy will hearten you upon
your way.'

You may think that I did not feel disposed to contradict him, though I
could make nothing of this sudden and welcome change in his manner.

'I am much obliged to you, sir,' said I.

And I followed him into the hut.



CHAPTER III