"That is why I have told you all this. Now, will you go?"
Martial, wishing to soften this hag, said to her, in a subdued voice:
"Mother, I do not believe you are capable of this murder!"
"As you please; but go!"
"I will go on one condition."
"No condition at all!"
"You shall put the children apprentices somewhere in the country."
"They shall remain here!"
"But, mother, when you have made them like Nicholas, Calabash, Ambroise, my father,—what good will that be to you?"
"To make good 'jobs' by their assistance. We are not too many now. Calabash will remain here with me to keep the cabaret. Nicholas is alone. Once properly instructed, François and Amandine will help him. They have already been pelted with stones,—young as they are,—and they must revenge themselves!"