III.
Just then René-Jean, satisfied with the result of his investigations of the woodlouse, raised his head and affirmed,—
"It is a female."
Georgette's laughter made René-Jean laugh, and Gros-Alain laughed because his brother did.
Georgette having effected her object and joined her brothers, they sat round upon the floor as in a sort of diminutive chamber, but their friend the woodlouse had vanished.