"Let us make sure of that," said Jean Oullier to Guérin, thus avoiding a reply to Joseph.
"You are right, Jean Oullier, and I'll go myself," replied Guérin.
The Vendéan crossed the marsh, crept through the reeds, and went half way up the ascent, crawling on his stomach like a snake among the rocks, and gliding so gently under the bushes that they scarcely stirred as he passed. When he was only about thirty paces from the summit he stood up, put his hat on the end of a long stick, and waved it above his head. Instantly a shot from the summit sent it spinning a hundred feet below its owner.
"He was right," said Jean Oullier, who heard the shot. "But what is hindering them? Is their guide killed?"
"Their guide is not killed," said Joseph Picaut, in a savage voice.
"Did you see him?" asked another voice, for Jean Oullier seemed determined not to speak to Joseph Picaut.
"Yes," replied the Chouan.
"Did you recognize him?"
"Yes."
"Then it must be," said Jean Oullier, as if speaking to himself, "that they wanted to get away from the marsh and bivouac behind those rocks, where they are safe from our guns. No doubt they will stay there till morning."