"France!" answered Materne, advancing.
He was soon recognized, and all rushed forth to meet the three hunters. Hullin himself, as curious as the rest, came out with Doctor Lorquin. The partisans stood around the horse, gazing with looks of wonder and admiration.
"It is a Cossack's," said Hullin, squeezing his old friend's hand.
"Yes, Jean-Claude; we captured it at the pond of Riel. Kasper shot its master."
Kasper, leaning upon his rifle, seemed well pleased with his prize, and old Materne, rubbing his hands, added:
"We were determined to bring something back with us, for my boys and I never return empty-handed."
Hullin took him aside, and they entered the farm-house together, while the young hunters gratified the curiosity of their comrades.
Chapter XIII.
That whole night long the little farm of the Anabaptist was filled with partisans going and coming.