On entering the stable Michel made Joseph a sign, which the latter understood perfectly; he sent the boy away, postponing the return of the horse till the next day.
"You said you knew me," remarked Michel as soon as they were alone.
"I did more, Monsieur de la Logerie; I called you by your name."
"Well, I'm not sorry to know that we have equal advantages in that respect. I know your name; it is Joseph Picaut."
"I don't say it isn't," said the peasant, with a sly look.
"Are you to be trusted, Joseph?"
"That depends on who trusts me,--blues and reds, no; whites, yes."
"Then you are white?"
Picaut shrugged his shoulders.
"If I were not, should I be here,--I who am condemned to death as you are? That's so; they have done me the honor of a sentence by default. Yes, you and I are equal before the law now."