noon before
_ '' he said , with outspoken enthusiasm ; `` I can not let you go without telling you that you are the third among christened men to make me understand that there is Something up there , '' and he pointed to the sky . The doctor 's answer was a smile full of sadness and a cordial grasp of the hand that Genestas held out to him . Before daybreak next morning Commandant Genestas was on his way . On his return , it was noon before he reached the spot on the highroad between Grenoble and the little town , where the pathway turned that led to La Fosseuse 's cottage . He was seated in one of the light open cars with four wheels , drawn by one horse , that are in use everywhere on the roads in these hilly districts . Genestas ' companion was a thin , delicate-looking lad , apparently about twelve years of age , though in reality he was in his sixteenth year . Before alighting , the officer looked round about him in several directions in search of a peasant who would take the carriage back to Benassis ' house .