rses in the shed."

This in the end they gained by renewed promises of good payment. She
brewed a broth for them, and for La Boulaye she found a suit of her
absent husband's clothes, whilst his own wet garments were spread to dry
before the fire. Some brandy, too, she found and brought him, and the
draught did much to restore him.

When they had supped, Garin and the troopers withdrew to the outhouse,
leaving La Boulaye in sole possession of the cottage hearth. And there,
in a suit of the absent farmer's grey homespun, his legs encased in
coarse woollen stockings and sabots upon his feet, sat the young Deputy
alone with his unpleasant thoughts. The woman had brought him a pipe,
and, although the habit was foreign to him as a rule, he had lighted
it and found the smoking somewhat soothing. Ruefully he passed his hand
across his bandaged brow, and in pondering over all that had taken place
since yesternight at Boisvert, his cheeks grew flushed at once with
anger and with shame.

"To have been so duped!"

And now--his mind growing clearer as he recovered in vigour--it occurred
to him that by to-morrow it would be too late to give pursuit. Once she
crossed the Sambre at Liege, or elsewhere, who could tell him by what
road she would elect to continue her journey? He had not sufficient men
at his disposal to send out parties along each of the possible roads.
That her ultimate destination was Treves he knew. But once there she was
beyond his reach, at safety from the talons of the French Republic.

He sat on and thought, what time his brows came closer together and his
teeth fastened viciously upon the stem of the pipe. By the table sat the
woman, knitting industriously, and ever and anon glancing inquiry at her
stern, thoughtful guest, and the click of her needles was the only sound
that disturbed the stillness of the room. Outside the wind was wailing
like the damned, and the rain which had recommenced with new vigour,
rattled noisily upon the panes.

Suddenly above the din of the elements a shout sounded in the night. The
Deputy raised his head, and glanced towards the woman. A moment later
they heard the gate creak, and steps upon the path that led to the
cottage door.

"Your husband?" inquired La Boulaye.

"No, monsieur. He has gone to Liege, and will not return until
to-morrow. I do not know who it can be."

There was alarm on her face, which La Boulaye now set himself to allay.

"At least you are well protec