whom the roads were unsafe in these times of disorder. He and
Blaise must go round and warn them to be ready. A man could not be
ready in a wink of the eye, as Madame seemed to think, and the two
peasants looked impenetrable in stolidity.

'Laggards that you are!' cried Eustacie, petulantly, clasping her
hands; 'and meantime all will be lost. They will be upon me!'

'Not so, Madame. It is therefore that I came here,' said Martin,
deferentially, to the little fuming impatient creature; 'Madame
will be far safer close at hand while the pursuit and search are
going on. But she must not stay here. This farm is the first
place they will come to, while they will never suspect mine, and my
good woman Lucette will be proud to keep watch for her. Madame
knows that the place is full of shrubs and thickets, where one half
of an army might spend a fine day in looking for the other.'

'And at night you will get together the men and convoy me?' asked
Eustacie, eagerly.

'All in good time, Madame. Now she must be off, ere the holy
mothers be astir. I have brought an ass for her to ride.'

Eustacie had no choice but compliance. None of the Orchard family
could go with her, as it was needful that they should stay at home
and appear as unconcerned as possible; but they promised to meet
her at the hour and place to be appointed, ad if possible to bring
Veronique.

Eating a piece of rye-bread as she went, Eustacie, in her gray