'Well,' he said, 'what do you think ?' 'That the ass in the lion's skin is very well till it meets the lion,' I answered.
He laughed again, and seemed pleased, as I doubt not he was.

'Pooh, pooh!' he said.

'It passed the time, and I think I am quits with my gentlemen now.

But I must be riding.

Possibly our roads may lie for a while in the same direction, sir ?' And he looked at me irresolutely.
I answered cautiously that I was going to the town of Rosny.
'You are not from Paris ?' he continued, still looking at me.
'No,' I answered.