"Amandine, I hear nothing now," said François, going towards the door.
The two children held their breath, and listened anxiously.
"They are coming from my brother's room," said François, in a low voice; "I hear them walking in the passage."
"Let us throw ourselves on our beds; mother would kill us if she found us out of bed," said Amandine, terrified.
"No," said François, still listening; "they have just passed by our door, and are running down the staircase."
"Oh, dear, oh, dear, what can it be?"
"Ah, now they are opening the kitchen door."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes, yes; I know the sound."
"Martial's dog is still howling," said Amandine, listening. Suddenly she exclaimed, "François, our brother calls us."