"We are," answered Louis Pierre. "Are you Jean Vilon?"
"My name is Jean Vilon, servant of God and my master, the Marquis de Brezé. My letter of instruction reads that there will arrive a woman, a child and two men."
"Our companion remained on the coast," replied Louis Pierre evasively. "He will be here later."
"He shall be welcome when he arrives," replied Jean Vilon with grave courtesy. "In the meantime I shall carry out my master's orders. He wishes that no one in the village know of your presence. Prepare then to follow my instructions."
"We shall obey you, Jean Vilon. I know you are a valued and trusted servant of the Marquis."
The Breton made no rejoinder to the praise. He stooped and raised the tired girl to the saddle, caressed the child and seated him on his shoulder. Then, taking the reins in his hands, he led the horse into the thicket. Night was almost upon them and the darkness was rapidly increasing. The horse, had he not been preceded by Silvano and led by Vilon, would have many times stumbled upon the stumps of trees hidden beneath the grass and leaves. The child clung confidingly to Vilon, asking incessantly, "Are we almost there?" After a three hours' journey, they halted in an open which led to a species of natural bower. Here Vilon aided Amélie to descend. He placed the child on the earth, tied the horse to a tree and took from his pocket a small lantern which he lighted from a flint. Then turning its beams full upon Louis Pierre's face, he asked in the cautious tone of a peasant-warrior:
"The watch-word?"
"Giac and Saint Ann," Amélie hastened to answer.
"Correct," answered the young Breton. "Henceforth we are friends. My master has written a letter of instructions, which he commands me to burn after reading. Bear witness that I comply," and he took from his belt a folded paper which he lighted with a flint. When it had crumbled to ashes, he followed the mastiff for some distance. On reaching a great stone, he halted, the removal of which disclosed an aperture which resembled the opening of a wild beast's cave. He signaled the others to follow, entering first himself, bearing the child in his arms. The little fellow commenced to cry, whereupon Amélie drew near, whispering:
"Baby Dick, do you want to live with me or away from me?"