"They must have seen us come up to the cottage." "There is no fear," Pierre said confidently.

"There is not a man or woman here who would not tear the _scelerats_ to pieces if they had the chance.

Have they not spoiled our market by killing all our best customers?
And now how are we to earn our living, I should like to know?
Why, not even the poorest beggar in Nantes would buy fish out of the river for months after this.

No, you need have no fear of them.

They may guess who you are, but it is no business of theirs, and they will hold their tongues." "At anyrate, Pierre, you had better distribute a few crowns among them, to help them live till the fishing is good again." "That I will do, monsieur.