apparently surrounded.

Marguerite sank into a chair, while Le Gallais carried the helpless
Benoist out with whispered threats; and, throwing him into a dark
stable, shut the door upon him, locking it behind him and putting the
key into his pocket. He then returned into the parlour, and telling
Rose--who had re-entered the room--what he had done, bade her be of good
cheer. Marguerite continued to kneel, and her lips moved as if in
prayer.

Meantime the voices came nearer. The dog, with one sharp yell ceased to
bark, and knocks were heard at the door. Alain gave Rose one encouraging
look and went out alone and unarmed to meet Querto and a number of
peasants, most of whom he recognised as belonging to his own company of
the parish militia.

"What is it, neighbours?" he said, taking no notice of the major, and
speaking the local dialect.

"Why, this gentleman hath brought us here to seize a spy," said one of
them--our old acquaintance Le Gros.

"There is no spy here but himself," answered Le Gallais. Do you not know
who he is, Maître Le Gros? This is Major Querto, who came here about
selling Jersey to the French.

"What are you saying in your whoreson lingo?'" cried the major. "Let us
in."

"He wishes to do some mischief here," pursued Le Gallais. "Perhaps to