me to
find a hotel.'

"'Wait,' he whispered--'wait a little until all the world is gone.
It won't be five minutes until every one has departed and every
light is out in the station; then--'

"I could not see how this was to improve my condition, but, having
no choice, I waited patiently while he went and busied himself about
his work. Presently he returned. Everything was silent, and pointing
mysteriously to the waiting-room in the building, he said in a low
voice, '_There_ is where you can stay till morning. They would not
allow it if they knew, but no one will be the wiser. You can leave
as soon as it is light, and to-night sleep on one of the sofas.
That's where I sit at night, and I will give it up to you.'

"The idea was repugnant to me. I could not consent; it was too
frightful; it was impossible. I hastened to say, 'It will not do--I
cannot stay here: you must take me back. Do take me to Creil.'

"'Can't do it.'

"'Well, take me to the next town: there is an inn, and it is not
far.'

"He wavered, and seeing my distress his good-nature conquered. 'I
will go with you,' he answered, slowly shaking his head as if
admonishing himself for being such a fool; 'but if they should find
it out--'

"You may think it was unkind in me to let him run the risk of losing
his place, but what was I to do? I could not submit to stay at the
station like a vagabond, and I could not find my way alone. So,
without allowing him time to change his mind, I set out. The road
was bad and the night dark; the lantern threw a circle of light
around us, but all beyond was impenetrable; still, the hope of
shelter at the end made the walk agreeable to me. We
stumbled along in silence, and by and by heard the barking of dogs
that always heralds a night approach to a village. The first house
that greeted my eyes had the welcome signboard swinging before it,
and above its lintel a bush. It was a tiny place, but it was a
refuge, and I felt quite cheerful as I requested the old tar to
knock.

"He did so, and the sound echoed and re-echoed, but there was no
response.

"'Again,' I said, and 'again,' and 'again,' with no better result.
It was anything but encouraging.

"'They cannot hear, they are asleep: take up a stone and beat the
door. You must awaken them.'

"He obedien