The messenger ought to go to Sairmeuse and return in two hours." Chupin endeavored to attract the duke's attention by pulling the skirt of his coat.

M.de Sairmeuse turned: "What is it ?" The old poacher put his finger on his lip, recommending silence, but as soon as the valet had left the room, he said: "It is useless to send for the marquis." "And why, you fool ?" "Because, Monsieur, because--excuse me--I----" "Zounds! will you speak, or will you not ?" Chupin regretted that he had gone so far.
"Because the marquis----" "Well ?" "He is engaged in it." The duke overturned the table with a terrible blow of his clinched fist.
"You lie, wretch!" he thundered, with the most horrible oaths.
He was so formidable in his anger that the old poacher sprang to the door and turned the knob, ready to take flight.
"May I lose my head if I do not speak the truth," he insisted.

"Ah! Lacheneur's daughter is a regular sorceress.

All the gallants of the neighborhood are in the ranks; Chanlouineau, young d'Escorval, your son----" M.de Sairmeuse was pouring forth a torrent of curses upon Marie-Anne when his valet re-entered the room.
He suddenly checked himself, put on his uniform, and ordering Chupin to follow him, hastened from the house.
He was still hoping that Chupin had exaggerated the danger; but when he reached the Place d'Arms, which commanded an extended view of the surrounding country, his illusions were put to flight.
Signal-lights gleamed upon every side.

Montaignac seemed surrounded by a circle of flame.
"These are the signals," murmured Chupin.