their timid hesitation. They were asking themselves whether, even
so remotely as by tending the girl, they dared participate in the
violence La Boulaye had committed. That a swift vengeance would be
the Seigneur's answer they were well assured, and a great fear
possessed them that in that vengeance those of the Chateau might
lack discrimination. Charlot was amongst them, and on his feet, but
still too dazed to have a clear knowledge of the circumstances.
Presently, however, his faculties awakening and taking in the
situation, he staggered forward, and came lurching towards La
Boulaye, who was assisting the frightened Marie to rise. With a
great sob the girl flung herself into her husband's arms.

"Charlot, mon Charlot!" she cried, and added a moment later: "It was
he - this brave gentleman - who rescued me."

"Monsieur," said Charlot, "I shall remember it to my dying day."

He would have said more, but the peasants, stirred by fear, now
roused themselves and plucked at his coat.

"Get you gone, Charlot, Get you gone quickly," they advised him.
"And if you are wise you will leave Bellecour without delay. It is
not safe for you here."

"It is not safe for any of us," exclaimed one. "I have no mind to
be caught when the Seigneur returns. There will be a vengeance. Ah
Dieu! what a vengeance!"

The warning acted magically. There were hurried leave-takings, and
then, like a parcel of scuttling rabbits, they made for their burrows