Volume II Part 1 (2/2)
”Confound the Black Forest,” he growled as he rode along; ”if I had not fortunately had my leather portfolio in my breast-pocket, I would be a dead man now! The scoundrel must have eyes like an owl: he ai, Margotte, or else a second highwayan”
The horse trotted along, and Pierre heard anew the gallop of a second animal The bandit evidently desired to keep his identity unknown
”Curious,” muttered Pierre, ”I did not see his face, but his voice seemed familiar”
CHAPTER II
THE GOLDEN SUN
Mr Schwan, the host of the Golden Sun at Sainte-Ah theone, three travellers had arrived thatat the Golden Sun, and sixht on his chicken coop, and, while his servants were robbing the murdered hens of their feathers, the host walked to the door of the inn and looked at the sky
A loud laugh, which shook the s of the inn, made Schwan turn round hurriedly: at the same moment twokiss was pressed upon his brown cheek
”What is thein vain to shake off the arms which held hi to ; and hardly had he spoken the words than the possessor of the aruessed, Father Schwan Firejaws in _propria persona_”
While the host was cordially welco the new arrival, several servants hurried frolasses stood upon the cleanly scoured inn table
”Make yourself at holasses
The giant, whose figure was draped in a fantastical costurinned broadly, and did justice to the host's invitation The sharply curved nose and the largeteeth, the full blond hair, and the broad, ht-fitting coat of the athlete was dark red, the trousers were of black velvet, and richly embroidered shi+rt-sleeves made up the wonderful appearance of the man
”Father Schwan, I iant after a pause, as he stretched out his arhed the host
”Are you glad to see ?”
”Splendidly, as usual; my breast is as firiant, striking a powerful blow upon his breast
”Has business been good?”
”Oh, I am satisfied”
”Where are your people?”
”On their way here The coach was too slow for me, so I left them behind and went on in advance”
”Well, and--your wife?” asked the host, hesitatingly
The giant closed his eyes and was silent; Schwan looked down at his feet, and after a pause continued: