VII.
Straying in this manner, the three little girls reached the lower end of the Châlet opposite the triple cave, the grotto of Massabielle, which we have endeavored to describe. They were separated from it only by the mill-race, which bathes the foot of the cliffs, and whose current is usually very strong. To-day, however, the mill of Sâvy has stopped work, and the small quantity of water which leaks into the aqueduct makes but a slender stream, very easy to wade. The fallen branches of various trees lie thick among the rocks in this lonely and ordinarily inaccessible place. Rejoiced at this discovery, bustling and active as Martha, Jeanne and Marie took off their sabots, and in an instant were across the stream.
"The water is very cold," they cried as they hastily put on their wooden shoes.
It was the month of February, and these mountain torrents, fresh from the glacial snows, are always icy cold.
Bernadette, less alert or less eager, tarrying behind, was still on the nearer side of the stream. It was a more serious undertaking for her to cross. She wore stockings, while Jeanne and Marie had only to take off their sabots, in order to wade. Even before the exclamation of her companions, she feared the cold of the water.
"Throw in a couple of large stones," she cried, "so that I may go over without getting wet."
The two little girls, already engaged in making up a pair of fagots, did not wish to lose time by turning from their task.
"Do as we have done," said Jeanne, "take off your shoes."
Bernadette resigned herself, and, seated on a large stone, began to do as she was bid.
It was about noon; the Angelus was about to sound from all the belfries of the Pyrenees.