"Henri de Bonneville!" exclaimed Baron Michel, in amazement.
"Myself. But don't say my name so loud. We are in a land where every bush and ditch and tree shares with the walls the privilege of having ears."
"True!" said Michel, alarmed; "and besides--"
"You must have come for the uprising they talk of?"
"Precisely. And now, in two words, on which side are you?"
"My good friend," said the young baron, "I have no fixed opinions; though I will admit in a whisper--"
"Whisper as much as you like; admit what? Make haste."
"Well, I will admit that I incline toward Henri V."
"My dear Michel," cried the count, gayly, "if you incline toward Henri V. that is enough for me."
"Stop; I don't say that I am positively decided."
"So much the better. I shall finish your conversion; and, in order that I may do so at once, I shall ask you to take me in for the night at your château, and also a friend who accompanies me."
"Here he is," said Petit-Pierre, riding forward, and bowing to the young baron, with an ease and grace that contrasted curiously with the dress he wore. Michel looked at the little peasant for a moment, and then approaching Bonneville, he said:--
"Michel, you are lacking in all the traditions of hospitality. You forget the 'Odyssey,' my dear fellow, and I am distressed at you. Why do you want to know my friend's name? Isn't it enough if I tell you he is a man of good birth?"
The count and Petit-Pierre burst out laughing.
"So you insist on knowing the names of those you receive in your house?"
"Not for my sake, my dear Henri,--not for mine, I swear to you; but in the château de la Logerie--"
"Oh! then the Baronne Michel is mistress. I had already told my little friend Petit-Pierre that she might be. But it is only for one night. You could take us to your own room, and I can forage in the cellar and larder. I know the way. My young friend could get a night's rest on your bed, and early in the morning I'll find a better place and relieve you of our presence."
"Impossible, Henri. Do not think that it is for myself, I fear; but it will compromise your safety to let you even enter the château."
"My mother is still awake; I am sure of it. She is watching for me; she would see us enter. Your disguise we might find some reason for; but that of your companion, which has not escaped me, how could we explain it to her?"