Page 669 - les-miserables

Saint-Martin, where The Two Convicts was being played
that day. This poster, illuminated by the theatre lanterns,
struck him; for, although he was walking rapidly, he halt-
ed to read it. An instant later he was in the blind alley of
La Planchette, and he entered the Plat d’Etain [the Pewter
Platter], where the office of the coach for Lagny was then sit-
uated. This coach set out at half-past four. The horses were
harnessed, and the travellers, summoned by the coachman,
were hastily climbing the lofty iron ladder of the vehicle.
The man inquired:—
‘Have you a place?’
‘Only one—beside me on the box,’ said the coachman.
‘I will take it.’
‘Climb up.’
Nevertheless, before setting out, the coachman cast a
glance at the traveller’s shabby dress, at the diminutive size
of his bundle, and made him pay his fare.
‘Are you going as far as Lagny?’ demanded the coach-
man.
‘Yes,’ said the man.
The traveller paid to Lagny.
They started. When they had passed the barrier, the
coachman tried to enter into conversation, but the traveller
only replied in monosyllables. The coachman took to whis-
tling and swearing at his horses.
The coachman wrapped himself up in his cloak. It was
cold. The man did not appear to be thinking of that. Thus
they passed Gournay and Neuilly-sur-Marne.
Towards six o’clock in the evening they reached Chelles.

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