How had we managed — and was there a mystery, as some
people avowed ?

We expatiated upon the beauties of the garden and the
charms of the house, but of mystery said not a word. Madame
wished us hon voyage, evidently under the impression that the
mystery of the chateau existed only in people's imagination :
the outcome of bavardage and mauvaises langues. Had we not
gone up, been admitted, inspected, and returned alive and well ?
It was clear as daylight.
On our way to the station, opposite the park, we passed a
house on which was written in large letters : " The only existing
manufactory of the true and original Nougat de Montelimar."
Our heavily-laden camel immediately arrested his steps, and no
protest that we were already sufficiently supplied would induce
him to pass the place.
" It is the very object with which we came here," he said,
" and it would be criminal not to inspect it. The others were
mere shops : this is a manufactory. We shall effect a distinct
saving by getting it at wholesale price. I will call myself a
travelling confectioner, and show my camel's hump consisting
of sweetstuff by way of proof. But I think a camel has two
humps, by the way ? Is it the camel or the dromedary that
has two humps ? I always mix up those graceful creatures,
with their swan-like necks and sylph-like legs. Well, I will
lay in a second hump here."



422 IN THE VALLEY OF THE RHONE.
And without further parley, he walked into the establish-
ment.
