Sophie! That sounds compromisingly familiar this morning, and very
improper also! But Sophie is a very nice person, and I ought to be well
ashamed of myself. I needed the bit and curb both yesterday. It'll
never do at all. If I'm going to marry Christine, we must have no family
complications. 'Must have'!" he exclaimed. "But what if Sophie
already?--good Lord!"

It was a strange sport altogether, in which some people were bound to get
a bad fall, himself probably among the rest. He intended to rob the
brother, he had set the government going against the brother's
revolutionary cause, he was going to marry one sister, and the other
--the less thought and said about that matter the better.

The afternoon brought Nic, who seemed perplexed and excited, but was most
friendly. It seemed to Ferrol as if Nic wished to disclose something;
but he gave him no opportunity. What he knew he knew, and he could make
use of; but he wanted no further confidences. Ever since the night of
the fight with the bear there had been nothing said on matters concerning
the Rebellion. If Nicolas disclosed any secret now, it must surely be
about the money, and that must not be if he could prevent it. But he
watched his friend, nevertheless.

Night came, and Christine did not return; eight o'clock, nine o'clock.
Lavilette and his wife were a little anxious; but Ferrol and Nicolas made
excuses for her, and, in the wild talk and gossip about the Rebellion,
attention was easily shifted from her. Besides, Christine was well used
to taking care of herself.

Lavilette flatly refused to give Nic a penny for "the cause," and stormed
at his connection with it; but at last became pacified, and agreed it was