Her heart stood still for a few moments as she listened, then beat wildly with renewed hope.
If she could only cry out; but the rag that filled her mouth made giving the alarm impossible.
Finally, after some hesitation, her abductor moved on as if to meet the coming footsteps, slowly, and leaning far over now and then, in apparent attempt to counterfeit the occupation of a rag-picker. And at such moments the child felt that she was standing on the back of her neck.
The heavy tramp of the stranger grew nearer—was upon them.
"Bonjour!" called out a cheerful, manly voice.
"Bonjour, monsieur!" replied le Cochon, humbly.
"You are abroad early this morning."
"It is necessary, if an honest chiffonnier would live these times."
"Possible. Good luck to you."
"Thanks, monsieur."