We can all swim and, as the river is no great width, we can make a shift to get across, even if the ford is a bad one." The landlord presently returned.

Jacques put the question: "By your account of those fellows at the bridge, we might have trouble with them ?" "As like as not," the landlord said.

"They worry and vex all who come past, insult quiet people; and have seized several, who have happened to have no papers of domicile about them, and sent them off to Bazas.

They killed a man who resented their rough usage, two days ago.

There has been a talk, in the village, of sending a complaint of their conduct to the officer at Bazas; but perhaps he might do nothing and, if he didn't, it would only make it the worse for us, here." "We don't want troubles," Jacques said, "and therefore, if we could pass the river without having to make too wide a detour, we would do so.