"Put this in your pocket," he said, "and here's a little bag of cartridges that you can drop into another pocket."
"But it's not my war," said John, "I don't want to shoot at anybody."
"No, it's not your war, but it's forcing itself upon you, and you may have to shoot. You'll be wise to take what I offer you."
Then John took them, and an hour later they stole out of the house, carrying with them the earnest hopes of Madame Crocheville. The house, doubtless, had other inmates, but she was the only one whom John had seen, and her competency gave the impression that no other was needed.
"We're going out into the country," said Lannes.
"Show the way."
"Don't you feel any curiosity about it?"
"A lot, but, remember I promised to ask no questions." Lannes laughed.
"So you did," he said, "and I knew that you were a man who'd keep your word, as you're doing. We're going to leave this town and the country about it, but I'll say nothing about the way it's to be done. There's some danger, though, and I'm armed just as you are."
"I'm not afraid of a little danger."