He had at first an idea of crossing by the ferry; but on gaining the riverside, he had mechanically put his hand into his pocket, and perceived that he had not wherewithal to pay his passage.
Il avait eu un instant l'idée de passer le bac; mais en arrivant au bord de l'eau, il avait machinalement introduit sa main dans sa poche et s'était aperçu qu'il n'avait pas de quoi payer le passeur.