Ahmet stood a little apart all this time. He did not know what reply to make to his uncle, and did not wish to provoke any discussion on the topic.
"Well, nephew," said Kéraban drily, "how are we to pass this 'river,' since the bridge has been carried away?"
"We shall find a ford, no doubt, said Ahmet. "There is so little water—"
"Scarcely enough to wet our feet," added Van Mitten, who had better have held his tongue.
"Well, then, my friend, turn up your trousers and wade across this river. We will follow you," said Kéraban.
"But—I—"
"Come, come; tuck them up."
The faithful Bruno here thought it time to interfere to bring his master out of the dilemma.
"It is no use, Seigneur Kéraban. We can pass without wetting our feet. There is a ferry close by."
"Ah! there is a ferry-boat, is there? it is very fortunate that we can go in a barge which has no doubt been kindly substituted for the bridge, the famous Pontus Axenos. Why didn't you say so before? Where is this barge—this raft?"
"Here, uncle," replied Ahmet, indicating the flat-bottomed boat which was made fast to the quay. "Our carriage is already on board."
"Indeed, our carriage is already on board?"
"Yes, and with the horses already harnessed."
"Harnessed? Who gave that order?"
"Nobody, uncle. The post-master has done it as usual."
"Since the bridge has broken down, I suppose?"
"Besides, uncle, there is no other way of continuing our journey," said Ahmet, ignoring the bridge.
"There is another way, nephew Ahmet. We can return and skirt the northern shore of the Sea of Azof."
"Two hundred league further, uncle. And my wedding. The date is the thirtieth. Have you forgotten the thirtieth?"
"By no means, nephew; and before that date I shall have surely returned. Let us go."
Ahmet experienced a pang for a moment. Would his uncle put his mad project in execution and return; or would
