"There are many of us, many!" sobbed she. "We shall so bless you. We
will pray for you."

"Do so; do," said he, affecting composure, and whipping on.




CHAPTER IX.

CAST DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED.


The moon had now risen, and shone full on our road, which was completely
exposed; but happily we met with no hindrance. The motion of the cart
now made me very drowsy, and I fell into deep dreamless sleep. When I
woke, feeling stiff and chilled, I wondered where I was. The cart had
stopped, I was alone, the gray light of morning was forcing its way
through the chinks of my little lodging-house, but the door was locked.
I thought my position a curious one, and wondered whether La Croissette
was going to give me up after all, to my enemies, but could not readily
distrust a fellow apparently so kind-hearted. I lay still and listened
to the sounds about me; the clucking of hens, gobbling of turkeys,
stamping of horses, and lowing of calves, told me I was in a farm-yard.
Then I heard voices, including that of La Croissette, and presently a
sharp cry and then a laugh. By-and-by, the key turned in the lock and
he looked in on me.

"So ho, you are awake after a famous long nap," said he. "Do you want
your breakfast?"