The two seized the light vehicle and overturned it as if it were an empty basket. The driver pitched forward, sprawling, to the asphalt. Seeing which the wary driver of the voiture in which Fouchette was seated turned and called to her behind his hand,—
"Keep your seat, mademoiselle! It's all right!"
He was terrified lest his carriage should follow the fate of his neighbor's. But the young men merely compelled him to whip up and keep the lines closed, and with this moving barricade they trotted along secure from present assault. Fouchette could have touched the nearest student. She was so frightened that the coachman's admonition was quite unnecessary. She could not have stirred.
"Jean!" said the hatless man to the other, who was so close, "you saw Lerouge there?"
"See him! I was near enough to punch him!"
"Did you——"
"Ah!" There was a quaver in his voice.
"I understand, my friend."
"But I can't understand Lerouge," said the young man called Jean. "Don't be afraid, mademoiselle," he added, speaking to Fouchette reassuringly. "Our friends the agents——"
"Oh, there they come, monsieur!" she cried.