proceeded all day without adventure, slept for two or three hours at a
village inn, and resumed our journey in high spirits.

"We should reach the Loire by midday," remarked Jacques. "Shall we go
into the town and cross by the bridge, or try for a ford? There is one a
little to the north."

"The ford will suit our purpose," I said, "and I hardly care about
trusting myself in the town."

There still wanted two hours to noon when, coming to a grassy and
tree-shaded plateau through which ran a sparkling stream, Jacques
proposed that we should rest the horses. So we dismounted, gave them a
drink, fastened them to a tree, and lay down beside them.

"Monsieur might be able to sleep," suggested Jacques. "I will watch, but
we cannot afford more than an hour."

"We will take turns," I said.

"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.