And what I say next is this: Dr. Jameray has fallen sick, and I've
undertaken to drive his little wagon, with the sign of the bleeding
tooth, from hence to Montauban. As far as that I'll give my young friend
here a cast, and he may thence easily take boat down the Garonne to
Bordeaux. At least, if he cannot of himself, I'll manage it for him."

How grateful we were to the worthy La Croissette! Not one of us
distrusted him in the least; at any rate, if M. Bourdinave did so at
first, he was soon reassured by us, and took the honest fellow heartily
by the hand. A good deal more was now said than I have space to recount
or memory to recall. Indeed, my head was in a confused state, and I was
conscious of little but of the tender pressure of dear Madeleine's hand,
from whom I must so soon part.

We were to start as soon as night afforded us its friendly cover; but
some hours of daylight remained. My father and M. Bourdinave had many
business affairs to discuss, and Madeleine kept the children quiet,
that they might not interrupt them. I never thought Gabrielle so pretty
as now that she had spoken with resolution, and seemed strengthening
herself to keep up to it. Nevertheless, we have no real strength
of our own; it all comes from God; but He gives it to all who ask it
faithfully. Madeleine whispered to me, "Let us pray that strength for
her duty may be given her." I nodded and smiled.

Meanwhile my mother went out to the appointed place where, it seems,
Raoul had daily placed a loaf. We, who were not in the secret, had much
wondered where our bread came from, and how it lasted out. This time she
returned with a large sausage as well; so we ate our meal with gladness
and thankfulness of heart, La Croissette insisting on passing round his
bottle, which, somehow, he always kept well filled. And had this man had