"I will give back half the money monsieur has given me," said Francois, in a friendly tone.
"No, Francois; you will need it all. I am not afraid."
After a walk of an hour and a half the two pedestrians reached a small village set among the hills. Francois began to walk faster, and to look more eager.
"Does monsieur see that cottage?" he said.
Ben's eyes rested on an humble cottage just out of the village.
"Yes."
"It is mine. Will monsieur come with me?"
"Yes, I will go to see if your little girl is alive."
Soon they were at the door. There was a light burning in the main room. A plain, neat woman opened the door.
"Thank Heaven!" she exclaimed, "it is Francois."