"The heart of a chicken! That the Emperor should have trusted such a man! I heard the news at Rye. Maybe you have heard bells ringing. One night more here, and then for France."
Gaston was about to lead the horse round to the stable, but De Rothan stopped him.
"No, no, I know these yokels are on the watch. If they were to break into the stable and snap up our horses we should be badly placed. The hall can serve as a stable to-night. Have a few staples knocked into the wainscoting and bring all the beasts in. Men and horses all under one roof."
Gaston nodded.
"What of the young man, monsieur?"
"We will use him till the last moment, and he will be useful, even then. Come here, Gaston. Some things must be spoken quietly."
They stood close together, Gaston intent and swarthy, stolidly ready to follow the adventure through. Once or twice he blinked his eyes at De Rothan as though astonished.
"Madame goes with us, monsieur?"
"I have said as much."
"And the young man, monsieur! Are we to leave him chained up like an ox in a stall?"