"'Besides,' said I, 'you said my blood would flow. What means that?—I shall be attacked, and if so, I shall want it to defend myself.'
"'I do not know what it means,' replied the old woman; 'but I do know, that in your place, my brave gentleman, I would listen to a poor old woman, and that I would not go to Chateaubriant; or, if I did go, it would be without my hunting-knife.'
"'Do not listen to the old witch, monsieur,' said the servant, who was doubtless afraid to take the fatal weapon.
"If I had been alone, I should have returned; but before my servant I did not like to do so.
"'Thank you, my good, woman,' said I, 'but really I do not see what reason there is for not going to Chateaubriant. As to my knife, I shall keep it; if I be attacked, I must have a weapon to defend myself.'
"'Go, then, and defend yourself,' said the old woman, shaking her head; 'we cannot escape our destiny.'
"I heard no more. I urged my horse to a gallop; but, turning a corner, I saw that the old woman had resumed her route, and I lost sight of her.
"An hour after I was in the forest of Chateaubriant; and I met you, Montlouis and Talhouet, for you were both of the party."
"It is true," said Talhouet, "and I began to understand."
"And I," said Montlouis.