Page:Rowland--The Mountain of Fears.djvu/278

   note of the drum, though now it seemed to come from the inside, impelling one to fervid action.

" 'Those fools will dance and drink and revel to-night,' growled Fouchère, 'and to-morrow there will not be one in the village fit to stand upon his feet.'

" 'Then,' said I, with an attempt at jocuarity, 'they may seek your professional advice.'

" 'No,' he muttered, 'they will go to the papa-loi—the priest—the arch-devil'

"There was a swift rustle, and Madame had leapt to her feet and was pacing the verandah with clinging, cat-like steps. I arose.

" 'I am fatigued from sitting still,' she explained, with a light but nervous laugh. 'See, the moon is rising.'

"I glanced toward the east and saw a dull yellow glow before which the low stars paled. Madame permitted herself another turn of the verandah, and as she passed the banded shaft of light which smote through the [ 262 ]