And now, sir, as we desire to enter before the gates shut, perhaps you will excuse us.' With which he bowed, and I bowed, and they bowed, and we separated.

They gave us the road, which M.de Rosny took with a great air, and we trotted to the gate, and passed through it without misadventure.
The first street we entered was a wide one, and my companion took advantage of this to ride up abreast of me.

'That is the kind of adventure our little prince is fond of,' he muttered.

'But for my part, M.de Marsac, the sweat is running down my forehead.

I have played the trick more than once before, for my brother and I are as like as two peas.