"I saw the mistress," said the man. "They have caught the master; she is frantic. There are ten Uhlans in the big room; the sergeant is alone in the parlour beyond. The maids are serving them."
"The rifles?" said Pariset.
"They are not stacked, mijnheer. There is no room between the wall and the big table. They are laid anyhow in the corner near the kitchen door."
For a minute or two Pariset and Kenneth conversed in rapid whispers. While they were speaking the farmer's wife, a large capable Flamande, came to the door, an expression of mingled agitation and hope on her broad red face.
"We try it?" said Pariset to Kenneth.
"Yes."
The three men entered the kitchen.
"If you can save my husband and my son--" began the good woman imploringly.
Pariset cut her short. She had the appearance of abundant energy.
"We want your help, meffrouw," he said. "Courage! Can you smuggle some of the rifles out of the room? Not all."