CHAPTER X.
THE HUT AT OUTREMONT.
How did the Cossacks ever discover that poor little hut sheltered among the rocks?
Simon's wife and children reached this place, and said to old Lasvène:
"Simon is fighting for France. Will you give us shelter?"
Lasvène took them in with a simple "yes." They were all very weary. Jacques had done all in his power to protect his little sister, who was not in the least frightened, only curious.
The old man shook out some fresh straw, gave them each a great bowl of smoking soup, and said:
"Everything here is yours, eat and sleep."
And when all was quiet the old man brought out two guns, which he had kept in spite of Napoleon's edict. He sat down by the fire, and began to clean them.
Suddenly, he felt a hand—a small one—laid on his arm, and a voice said,