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Not until he saw M. d'Escorval installed in Poignot's house did he breathe freely. The fact that the baron had been able to endure the journey, proved that in this poor maimed body remained a power of vitality for which the priest had not dared to hope. Some way must now be discovered to procure the surgical instruments and the remedies which the condition of the wounded man demanded.
It was sufficient for them to know that he was the friend of their former ruler the man whom they had made their idol, and they rejoiced with all their hearts when they saw M. d'Escorval reposing under Father Poignot's roof in comparative security. After this, their task, which consisted in misleading the government emissaries, seemed to them mere child's play.
Then you will separate and pretend to conceal yourselves, but do it in such a way that you are seen everywhere." 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.
Her first impulse was to burn the letter; she held it to the flame, then the thought of her friends concealed at Father Poignot's farm made her withdraw it. "For their sake," she thought, "I must read it."
"It is not the Marquis de Courtornieu whom I fear," he murmured, "but his daughter my wife." One must have lived in the country to know with what inconceivable rapidity news flies from mouth to mouth. Strange as it may seem, the news of the scene at the chateau reached Father Poignot's farm-house that same evening.
She had almost determined on flight when circumstances providentially, it seemed to her came to her aid. Money was needed at the farm. The guests were unable to obtain any without betraying their whereabouts, and Father Poignot's little store was almost exhausted.
From this moment, he is at liberty to leave Poignot's farm-house and return to Escorval. He is free, he is saved, he is granted a new trial, and there can be no doubt of his acquittal.
Unfortunately, Marie-Anne yielded. "Since you wish it," said she, "I will obey you. No one shall know it." The next day, which was the 14th of April, the fugitives at nightfall reached Father Poignot's house. Maurice and Corporal Bavois were disguised as peasants. The old soldier had made one sacrifice that drew tears from his eyes; he had shaved off his mustache.
"I am suffocating here," he said to his wife. "I am suffocating. Time drags so slowly. When will the happy day come?" It came at last. During the morning all the articles which they had succeeded in procuring during their stay at the farm-house were collected and packed; and when night came, Poignot's son began the moving.
The priest did not seem to trouble himself in regard to these encounters; at least, he made no attempt to avoid them. But he did seem anxious and cautious when, after a three hours' march, they came in sight of Poignot's cottage. Fortunately there was a little grove not far from the house.
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