"Oh, I? Nowhere. I am travelling to get over being bored. I am
unfortunately often bored."

"So that you were going nowhere?"

"I was going everywhere."

"That is exactly the same thing," said the young officer, smiling.
"Well, will you do something for me?"

"Oh! very willingly, if it is possible."

"Perfectly possible; it depends only on you."

"What is it?"

"Had I been killed you were going to take me to my mother or throw
me into the Rhone."

"I should have taken you to your mother and not thrown you into
the Rhone."

"Well, instead of accompanying me dead, take me living. You will
be all the better received."

"Oh!"

"We will remain a fortnight at Bourg. It is my natal city, and
one of the dullest towns in France; but as your compatriots are
pre-eminent for originality, perhaps you will find amusement