him a little bill for six livres four sous:

"'Upon what account?' said I.

"''Tis upon the part of the King,' said the commissary, heaving
up his shoulders.

"'My good friend,' quoth I, 'as sure as I am I, and you are you--'

"'And who are you?' he said.

"'Don't puzzle me,' said I. 'But it is an indubitable verity,' I
continued, addressing myself to the commissary, changing only the
form of my asseveration,' that I owe the King of France nothing but
my good-will, for he is a very honest man, and I wish him all the health
and pastime in the world.'

"'Pardonnez-moi,' replied the commissary. 'You are indebted to
him six livres four sous for the next post from hence to St. Fons, on
your route to Avignon, which being a post royal, you pay double for
the horses and postilion, otherwise 'twould have amounted to no more
than three livres two sous.'

"'But I don't go by land,' said I.

"'You may if you please,' replied the commissary.

"'Your most obedient servant,' said I, making him a low bow.

"The commissary, with all the sincerity of grave good-breeding,