" All present comprehended the priest's simple plan.
They were to throw the emissaries sent by the Duc de Sairmeuse and the
Marquis de Courtornieu off the track; and at the very moment it was
apparently proven that the baron was in the mountains, he would be safe
in Poignot's house.
"One word more," added the priest. "It will be necessary to make the
_cortege_ which accompanies the pretended baron resemble as much as
possible the little party that would be likely to attend Monsieur
d'Escorval. Mademoiselle Lacheneur will accompany you; Maurice also.
People know that I would not leave the baron, who is my friend; my
priestly robe would attract attention; one of you must assume it. God
will forgive this deception on account of its worthy motive."
It was now necessary to procure the litter; and the officers were
trying to decide where they should go to obtain it, when Corporal Bavois
interrupted them.
"Give yourselves no uneasiness," he remarked; "I know an inn not far
from here where I can procure one."
He departed on the run, and five minutes later reappeared with a small
litter, a thin mattress, and a coverlid.
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