and
after they had been there a minute or so, Rayner discovered a glimmer of
light coming through a broadish chink.

Putting his face near it, he perceived that the old lady and her
daughters had seated themselves at a table with their work before them,
endeavouring to look as unconcerned as possible.

He had not been in this position many minutes, when he heard some heavy
steps coming along the passage; they entered the room, and a gruff voice
demanded if any Englishmen had been, or still were, in the house.

The old lady started to her feet with an exclamation of well-feigned
astonishment.

"What can monsieur mean?" she asked. "Englishmen in my house! Where
can they have come from? My character is well known as a true patriot.
The enemies of France are my enemies. Pray explain yourself more
clearly."

On this the sergeant of gendarmes began to apologise in more courteous
language than he had at first used, explaining why he had been sent to
look for the Englishmen who, it had been ascertained, were in that part
of the country.

"Suppose you find them, what would you do with them?" asked Madame La
Roche.

"No doubt send them to prison. They are enemies of France, and it would
not be wise when we can catch them to allow such to wander at large and
commit mischief."

"Very true, very true, Monsieur Sergeant," said the old lady. "But that
does not excuse you for accusing me of harbouring them, and coming to my
house as if I were a traitress."

The sergeant, however, was evidently persuaded, notwithstanding Madame
La Roche's evasion, that the fugitives had been at the house, if they
were not there still, and he insisted, with due respect to her, that it
was his duty to make a thorough search.

"As you desire it, pray obey your orders," said Madame La Roche. "My
maitre d'hotel will show you round the house and outbuildings, and
wherever you wish to go. You must excuse me on account of my age, as
also my daughters from their youth and delicate nerves from accompanying
you."

The sergeant bowed, and said something with a laugh which Rayner did not
hear, and the old lady, calling Francois, bade him conduct the sergeant
and his gendarmes through the house. "And take care that he looks into
every corner, under the beds and in them, if he likes, so that he may be
thoroughly satisfied," she added.

"Oui, madame," answered Francois with perfect gravity. "Come along,
Monsieur Sergeant. If you do not find