"Then he must have escaped with Francois! Put my horse in the carriage at once."
Ten minutes later M. Bourdon was on his way to the cottage of Francois.
Fifteen minutes before he arrived Francois had aroused our young hero.
"It is time to get up, little monsieur," he said. "In half an hour the cars will start."
Refreshed by his sound sleep, Ben sprang up at once—he did not need to dress—and was ready for the adventures of the day.
"Where is the station, Francois?" he said.
"I will go with monsieur."
"No; if the doctor should come, delay him so that he cannot overtake me."
"Perhaps it is best."