“Wake up, my good man.”
The driver started, and, mechanically gathering his reins, yawned out:
“I am ready: come on!”
But when, by the light of the carriage-lamps, he saw two men in this
lonely spot, he imagined that they wanted his purse, and perhaps his
life.
“I am engaged!” he cried out, as he cracked his whip in the air; “I am
waiting here for someone.”
“I know that, you fool,” replied M. Verduret, “and only wish to ask you
a question, which you can gain five francs by answering. Did you not
bring a middle-aged lady here?”
This question, this promise of five francs, instead of reassuring the
coachman, increased his alarm.
“I have already told you I am waiting for someone,” he said, “and, if
you don’t go away and leave me alone, I will call for help.”