"Hear her, Father Abraham!" cried the unhappy man. "She thinks that I have money, who have only a few lentils on which to feed my wife and me."
"I know what you have," said Noémi. "You have all the money paid you by the Tardes."
"It is a lie—I have been paid no money; I have been given a sack of lentils instead."
"Levi—I was present when it was paid."
"You—you are a Tarde! and the Tardes are thieves!"
"I am not a Tarde."
"You are a Tarde—and these are Tardes' servants, and you will cheat and rob me. I shall appeal to the Bishop!"
"Strike a light," said the girl. "Let the man see who we are."
With a flint and steel Amanieu produced sparks, and presently held a wisp of dry grass blazing over his head.
"Look here," said Noémi. "Do you know this?" She showed the red cross on her arm. "Look at the shoulders of my mates. Do you know who they are? Do you know me? I am Le Gros Guillem's daughter. Open your sack."