"A majority of 28, composed as follows:" Breboeuf continued; "Donnillière, 83 to 44—majority 39; Petite Argentenaye, 96 to 47;—majority 49; St. Dominique, 11 to 19—majority 8; Miséricorde, majority 47. Esneval.—"
"Wait!"
Zotique spoke, and his eyes darkened energetically.
"I cannot guarantee you, Miséricorde."
All looked at each other. There was consternation.
"But surely Benoit has reported on that place," said Chamilly.
"In my absence. He has met me as little as possible. But Cuiller was seen an hour ago entering the Circuit Court."
"Traitors!" breathed de la Lande.
"I do not trust this American. Unless I was ever mistaken, he and Benoit are goods and effects of Libergent, and we must save Miséricorde without letting those know, of perish. Let one go over; you cannot, and I cannot, nor any of the prominent, but let us send our François here, let him discover how it stands, and be back within two hours, so that we can work there, if needful, the rest of the night. This is the only salvation."
"I will go," cried François cheerfully, and picking up his hat, started rapidly away. Josephte came in at the gates as he was passing out; she bowed to him, and moved by us into the house, wrapped in the composure of one mourning at heart.