He said nothing, but he looked at me for a long time in a very searching manner.
'What is your name ?' 'Louis Laval,' said I, thinking that it might sound less dangerous in this plebeian form.
'Whither are you going ?' 'I wish to reach some shelter.' 'You are from England ?' 'I am from the coast.' He shook his head slowly to show me how little my replies had satisfied him.
'You cannot come in here,' said he.
'But surely--' 'No, no, it is impossible.' 'Show me then how to find my way out of the marsh.' 'It is easy enough.

If you go a few hundred paces in that direction you will perceive the lights of a village.

You are already almost free of the marsh.' He stepped a pace or two from the door in order to point the way for me, and then turned upon his heel.

I had already taken a stride or two away from him and his inhospitable hut, when he suddenly called after me.
'Come, Monsieur Laval,' said he, with quite a different ring in his voice; 'I really cannot permit you to leave me upon so tempestuous a night.

A warm by my fire and a glass of brandy will hearten you upon your way.' You may think that I did not feel disposed to contradict him, though I could make nothing of this sudden and welcome change in his manner.
'I am much obliged to you, sir,' said I.
And I followed him into the hut..