"But, if they have simply locked the gate, we can open it," said Mario, whose mind worked more quickly than the coachman's. "And if they have left anybody on guard there, why between us, Aristandre, we can try to kill them so that we can pass. Do you hesitate? We must do it, you see, my friend. We must hurry and warn my father. If we don't, our people here will allow the château to be taken, they are so terrified. When the villains have finished gorging themselves, they will try to set it on fire. Who knows what may happen? Come, come, coachman, my good fellow," added the child, drawing his little rapier, "take a stake, a club, a tree, no matter what, and let us go!"
"Stay, stay, my dear little master!" rejoined Aristandre, "there are some tools here; let me look. Good! I have a shovel; no! a spade! I like that better! Now, I am not afraid of any man! But, listen to me; do you know where your papa is?"
"No! you must take me to him."
"If I come out all right, yes; if not, you will have to go all alone. Do you know where Etalié is?"
"Yes, I have been there. I know the way."
"Do you know the Geault-Rouge inn?"
"The Coq-Rouge? Yes, I have been there twice. It isn't hard to find, it's the only house in the place. Well?"
"Your papa will be there until ten o'clock. If you arrive too late, go to Brilbault; he will be there."
"Brilbault at the foot of Coudray hill?"
"Yes. He will be there with his people. It's a long way; you will never be able to do it on foot!"