She obeyed without answering. Jean-Louis, meanwhile, entered the room.
"Light the fire, boy," said Ragaud, "and warm us up something. I must go to the château with your sister, and I will not take her out in the cold, fasting."
"Father," said Jean-Louis, while rapidly breaking up the fagots, "did you see a bright light last night around the big tower of the château?"
"Did you?" asked Ragaud.
"I saw something like a rocket go up from the château," the boy replied.
"Yes, I saw it also," answered Ragaud; "and Pataud did, too. What do you think it could have been, Jeannet?"
"I think," said Jean-Louis, "they illuminated the château and fired off rockets in honor of S. Martin."
"Very probable, child; that is a good idea," said Ragaud laughing. "Perhaps, after all, it is the whole secret; but, any how, I would rather go and find out."
"Shall I go with you, father?" asked Jeannet.
"No, stay and help your mother; if I want you, I will tell you. It is enough that I must carry off the little girl."