"All those who take their illusions for realities, as you have done; all
those who, because they desire anything very much, really believe that
it will come to pass. Do you really suppose that neither the Duc de
Sairmeuse nor the Marquis de Courtornieu has been warned of it?"

Lacheneur shrugged his shoulders.

"Who could have warned them?"

But his tranquillity was feigned; the look which he cast upon Jean
proved it.

And it was in the coldest possible tone that he added:

"It is probable that at this very hour the duke and the marquis are in
the power of our friends."

The cure now attempted to join his efforts to those of the baron.

"You will not go, Lacheneur," he said. "You will not remain deaf to
the voice of reason. You are an honest man; think of the frightful
responsibility you assume! What! upon these frail hopes, you dare to
peril the lives of hundreds of brave men? I tell you that you will not
succeed; you will be betrayed; I am sure you will be betrayed!"

An expression of horror contracted Lacheneur's features. It was evident
to all that he was deeply moved.

It is impossible to say what might have happened had it not been for the
intervention of Chanlouineau.