The voice of Chanlouineau put an end to all hesitation.
“I have come to fight,” he exclaimed, “and I shall sell my life dearly.”
“We will make a stand then!” cried the others.
But Chanlouineau did not follow them to the spot which they had considered best adapted to the prolonged defence; he called Maurice and drew him a little aside.
“You, Monsieur d’Escorval,” he said, almost roughly, “are going to leave here and at once.”
“I—I came here, Chanlouineau, as you did, to do my duty.”
“Your duty, Monsieur, is to serve Marie-Anne. Go at once, and take her with you.”
“I shall remain,” said Maurice, firmly.
He was going to join his comrades when Chanlouineau stopped him.
“You have no right to sacrifice your life here,” he said, quietly. “Your life belongs to the woman who has given herself to you.”