"That’s it. Forward."
Five minutes later the three travellers found themselves among buildings in which lights were shining; but they were simply wretched hovels built of earth and straw, compared with which the humble cottages of Ayda might have passed for châteaux. Robineau stopped and gazed at his companions in dismay, saying in an undertone:
"Mon Dieu! where are we?"
"In a village, as you see."
"A pretty village, on my word! One would say that we had fallen among savages."
"The place certainly does not seem prosperous; but the inhabitants may be very worthy folk."
"They may be something else too—people who live in mole-hills like these!"
"Let us knock and call; they can’t be asleep yet as their lights aren’t out."
"One moment, messieurs," said Robineau, running after Alfred, who was walking toward the largest of the huts. "One moment—let us consult first; is it quite prudent to place ourselves in the power of these people in this way?"
"Nonsense, Robineau; let us alone!"