One of the three kneeling women rose and obeyed with alacrity; the other two remained on their knees and said:
"You are only trying us, holy bishop!"
"But these heathens are going to hang me—"
"A holy man like you does not fear martyrdom."
"No, my daughters, I do not fear martyrdom—but I think I am indispensable for the salvation of my flock. I pray you, carry that booty away! If you do not, I shall damn you! I shall excommunicate you! Confounded old hags! Miserable wretches, you will have to answer for my death on the day of judgment!"
"Holy bishop, you seek to try us to the last. You just said to us that to touch the goods of the Church is mortal sin. Would you order us to commit a mortal sin?"
"No! No!" screamed the other of the two mothers who had remained on their knees; she smote her breast and added: "Holy man, you could never think of ordering us to commit mortal sin! You are to receive martyrdom!—"
"And from the heavens above you will throw your blessings upon us, great and good St. Cautin!"
"Bishop, do you hear these poor old women? You sowed, now you are harvesting. Come, my Vagres, draw the rope!"
Once more the hermit interposed in order to protect the prelate. At that moment the Vagres who were on the carts were heard crying: