"Would it be altogether becoming?" rejoined the stranger. "To disturb a person whom one doesn't know is somewhat too familiar usage, perhaps, especially if the unknown is a person of rank. No, no, Master Biscarros, be good enough to describe him to me, and let it go at that; or, better still, show him to me without letting him see me." "It would be difficult to show him to you, monsieur, for he seems anxious to keep out of sight; he closed his window the moment you and your companions appeared upon the road. To describe him to you is a simpler matter: he is a slender youth, fair-haired and delicate, hardly more than sixteen; he seems to have just about enough strength to carry the little parlor sword which hangs at his baldric." The stranger knit his brow as if searching his memory. "Ah, yes!" said he, "I know whom you mean,--a light-haired, effeminate young dandy, riding a Barbary horse, and followed by an old squire, stiff as the knave of spades: he's not the man I seek." "Ah! he's not the man monsieur seeks?" Biscarros repeated. "No." "Very good: pending his arrival whom monsieur seeks, as he cannot fail to pass this way, there being no other road, I trust that monsieur and his friends will enter my humble inn, and take some refreshment." "No. I have simply to thank you, and to ask what time it might be." "Six o'clock is just striking on the village clock, monsieur; don't you hear the loud tones of the bell?" "Tis well. Now, Monsieur Biscarros, one last service." "With pleasure." "Tell me, please, how I can procure a boat and boatman." "To cross the river?" "No, to take a sail upon the river." "Nothing easier: the fisherman who supplies me with fish--Are you fond of fish, monsieur?" queried Biscarros, parenthetically, returning to his first idea of persuading the stranger to sup beneath his roof. "It's not the most toothsome of delicacies, monsieur; however, when properly seasoned it's not to be despised." "I always have excellent fish, monsieur." "I congratulate you, Master Biscarros; but let us return to the man who supplies you." "To be sure; at this hour his day's work is at an end, and he is probably dining. You can see his boat from here, moored to the willows yonder just below the large elm. His house is hidden in the osier-bed. You will surely find him at table. "Thanks, Master Biscarros, thanks," said the stranger. Motioning to his companions to follow him, he rode rapidly away toward the clump of trees and knocked at the door of the little cabin. The door was opened by the fisherman's wife. As Master Biscarros had said, the fisherman was at table. "Take your oars," said the horseman, "and follow me; there's a crown to be earned." The fisherman rose with a degree of precipitation that was most eloquent of the hard bargains mine host of the Golden Calf was wont to drive. "Do you wish to go down the river to Vayres?" he asked. "No; simply to go out into midstream, and remain there a few moments."