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320 "I am in a fever to reach Malincourt," replied Gerard anxiously.

"I should not counsel our going so far. Could you not find shelter in some house already searched? Indeed, why not remain here?"

"I could find shelter anywhere in Morvaix," declared Gabrielle.

"Then think of some place, mademoiselle. They have been working from east to west, so that all east of this is safe. There were two of our men in the party just now," said Dubois, turning to Gerard. "They must be using them to make up the number necessary."

"Good. I decide for Malincourt and should like an escort of them to take us there," he answered, and then asked again whether they could start.

Dubois went to the window.

"A thousand hells!" he exclaimed! "They are coming back here. They must have found out the mistake. Quick, my lord, to your hiding place again! No, no, by Heaven! what fortune. Four out of five of the men are ours. I see a way. Hide, but close at hand."

He threw himself into a chair while Gerard and Gabrielle left the room.

The soldiers came hurrying in.

"Well, what is it?" he asked coolly.

"Who are you?"

"I think that's a question I should put to you."

"I am the officer in charge of the search party. We are looking for the escaped prisoners, and my sergeant has just been fooled in this house. Now, monsieur, who are you? And do you know of this?"

"I am Captain Dubois, comrade of Captain Bassot, in charge of the recently arrived troops. These are some of my men, I see."

The men saluted.

"Do you know anything of this trick?"