"The Romans went, their garrisons along with them. Without troops to enforce their decrees, the magistrates took their departure, and never returned. The Bagaudy in Gaul and the Franks on the Rhine kept their hands full. This second Bagaudy, like the first, had its good effect, in our province even better than elsewhere, seeing that the bishops, having joined the Romans, succeeded in imposing themselves upon the other provinces of Gaul, but were prevented by the Bagaudy from making their weight felt as heavily as in former years. As to ourselves, of Breton Armorica, Rome never sought to resubjugate us. From that time on, and obedient to our ancient custom, each tribe chooses its own chief, and these choose a chief of chiefs who governs the land. He is kept if he does well, he is removed if he does not give satisfaction. It has continued so to this day, and I hope will ever be, despite the doings of the cursed Franks outside of Britanny. The last Breton will have died before our Armorica shall be conquered by the barbarians as they have done the rest of Gaul. And now, friend peddler, I understand you to say that the Bagaudy is again raising its head, now against the Franks? So much the better! They will, at least, as you say, not enjoy their conquest in peace, if the new Bagauders are worthy of the old."
"They are, good old man; they are; I have seen them at work."
"The Bagauders are, then, numerous armed troops?"
"Karadeucq, my pet, do not excite yourself—listen without interrupting."
"Bad boy, he can only think of battles, revolts and adventures!"
And the poor woman added in a low voice in Araim's ear:
"Was there any occasion for the peddler to mention such matters before my son? Alas! I told you so, father, it is an ill wind that blew this man into our house."
"Do you think him in league with the Dus and Korrigans, Madalen?"
"What I believe is, father, that a misfortune threatens this house. I wish this night were over, and it were to-morrow!"
And the alarmed mother sighed while the peddler answered Karadeucq, who hung upon the stranger's words: