"Indeed," said Tom, "let me see; so it is, I was in such a state of mind that I did not know I had drunk all."
"Never mind," said his uncle, "I will fetch some more." And he proceeded towards the cellar.
Tom chuckled all to himself, "What a splendid piece of fun; I knew him, he's the man to act."
Mr. Rougeant came back with the mug brimming. The conversation continued to flow, so did the cider. The men were getting excited.
"It's time for us to go out and choose a hiding-place," said Tom.
"Yes, let us go," said his uncle.
They went out. The farmer hid himself behind a hedge, Tom went opposite him on the other side of the road also taking advantage of the cover which a hedge afforded him. They waited. Not a breath of wind disturbed the grass or brambles, not a word was exchanged between the men on the watch. The air was stiff, but they felt it not. The cider which they had drunk kept them warm.
Not one of them knew exactly how they were to operate. Tom counted on his uncle and Mr. Rougeant thought he would act according to circumstances.
"They will never come," said Tom to himself. He stretched himself at full length on the grass. In less than five minutes he was sleeping soundly.