Frenchman, and had scanned me well, I was sure, through some
window or peephole; for when he came out he betrayed no surprise
at the sight of a well-dressed stranger--a portent in that out-
of-the-way village--but eyed me with a kind of sullen reserve.

'I can lie here to-night, I suppose?' I said, dropping the reins
on the sorrel's neck. The horse hung its head.

'I don't know,' he answered stupidly.

I pointed to the green bough which topped a post that stood
opposite the door.

'This is an inn, is it not?' I said.

'Yes,' he answered slowly. 'It is an inn. But--'

'But you are full, or you are out of food, or your wife is ill,
or something else is amiss,' I answered peevishly. 'All the
same, I am going to lie here. So you must make the best of it,
and your wife too--if you have one.'

He scratched his head, looking at me with an ugly glitter in his
eyes. But he said nothing, and I dismounted.

'Where can I stable my horse?' I asked.

'I'll put it up,' he answered sullenly, stepping forward and
taking the reins in his hand.