And Françoise dragged herself forward and fanned the flames with her dying breath.
"Brave woman!" cried Lasvène. "And now, welcome death! Vive la France!"
He poured his flask of powder on the floor. There was a terrible explosion.
Françoise and old Lasvène have done their duty ere they died. The walls of the hut fall, and hide the trap door.
CHAPTER XI.
CHILDREN IN DARKNESS.
The trap door closed on the two children, leaving them in total darkness. Lasvène had not thought of that.
The boy hesitated. His mother had bidden him save Francinette—here was safety, even if there were also darkness. He kissed his little sister tenderly.