He would have passed his father, but a powerful hand was laid upon his shoulders, a voice commanded:
"Stay here!"
And the son was constrained to stay.
"Who engaged you, François?"
"The head of the office."
"No; who advised you? You did not do this thing by yourself, you had the help of some gentleman. Who was it?"
The young man hesitated for a moment, then, feeling himself a prisoner, stammered out:
"M. Meffray."
With one thrust the farmer sent him flying.
"Run; harness La Rousse to the dog-cart. Quick! I am going myself to M. Meffray."