These men had part of a loaf of bread and a little brandy. They gave
both to the famished man.
They sat down beside him on the grass, and while he was eating they
related their misfortunes. Their connection with the conspiracy had been
discovered; their houses were full of soldiers, who were hunting for
them, but they hoped to reach Italy by the aid of a guide who was
waiting for them at an appointed place.
Lacheneur extended his hand to them.
"Then I am saved," said he. "Weak and wounded as I am, I should perish
if I were left alone."
But the two farmers did not accept the hand he offered.
"We should leave you," said the younger man, gloomily, "for you are the
cause of our misfortunes. You deceived us, Monsieur Lacheneur."
He dared not protest, so just was the reproach.
"Nonsense! let him come all the same," said the other, with a peculiar
glance at his companion.
So they walked on, and that same evening, after nine hours of travelling
on the mountains, they crossed the frontier.
But this long journey was not made without bitter reproaches, and even
more bitter recriminations.
Pages:
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433