"I have never seen my brother, but I know him to be one of the bitterest enemies France has. He has fought against us, and I have heard that he is nearly ruined. Painful as such suspicions are, I am tempted to believe that the appearance of this Karlstein in this out of the way place, is due to the fact that this renegade brother of mine has hunted me up, knowing that at my father's death I can claim my inheritance. I feel as if we were the cause of this attack on Leigoutte, which is really directed on the heir of the Fongereueses."
"Horrible!" murmured Françoise.
"Yes, this officer asked me if this inn belonged to me. Dear wife, it is now doubly our duty to take every measure for the protection of these people. You must take the children away. I must remain with these peasants. I wish you to go to the farm of old Father Lasvène—"
"Yes, I know, a league away, in the Outremont gorge."
"I will take you there. Lasvène is a man of sense, and will not be guilty of any imprudence."
Suddenly Francinette, who was looking out of a window, uttered a shrill cry, and ran to her mother.
"What is it?" exclaimed Simon, rushing to the window, which he threw open, but could see nothing.
Françoise soothed the little girl and questioned her.
The child, still wild with fear, pointed to the window. "A man! a bad man!"