"But the sorrow we would cause to Martial—don't you think of that? It is on our account he came back here, and now remains; alone, he could easily get along: he could return and poach in the woods he likes so well."
"Well! let him take us in the woods with him," said Francois: "that would be best of all; I would be with him I love so much, and I should not have to work at a trade I cannot bear."
The conversation of Francois and Amandine was interrupted. Their door locked on the outside with a double turn.
"We are shut up!" cried Francois.
"Oh! what for, brother? What are they going to do with us?"
"Perhaps it is Martial."
"Listen, listen, his dog barks!" said Amandine.
"It sounds to me as if they were hammering something," said Francois; "perhaps they are trying to break open Martial's door!"
"Yes, yes, his dog barks all the time."
"Listen, Francois! now it sounds like driving nails. Oh, dear, I am afraid. What could brother have done? now hear how his dog howls!"