Two braves came with some corn and smoked meat. Menard set it down on a corner of the blanket.
“You will eat, Mademoiselle?”
She shook her head. “I am not hungry. Thank you, M’sieu.”
“If I may ask it,––if I may insist,––it is really necessary, Mademoiselle.”
She reached out, with a weary little gesture, and took some of the corn.
“And you too, Father.”
They ate in silence, and later went together to the spring for a cool drink.
“We ought to make an effort to sleep,” Menard said; and added, “if we can. Father, you had better lie down. In a few hours, if there is no word, I will wake you.”
“You will not forget, M’sieu? You will not let me sleep too long.”
“No.” The Captain smiled. “No, Father; you shall take your turn at guard duty.”