"The little boys had banners also, had they not, Francois?"
"Oh! was I not whipped that day because I asked mother why we did not walk in the procession, like other children!"
"Then it was that she told us never to enter a church, unless it was to steal the money-box for the poor, 'or from the pockets of people listening to mass,' added Calabash, laughing and showing her old, yellow teeth."
"Bad creature, she is!"
"Oh, before I would steal in a church, they should kill me! Don't you say so, Francois?"
"There, or elsewhere—what is the difference when one has decided?"
"I do not know, but I should have more fear; I never could."
"On account of the priests?"
"No, perhaps on account of the picture of the Holy Virgin, who looks so good and kind."
"What of that?—the picture can't eat you, little fool!"