Before the approaching wagon came alongside, she knew from the grey and the darkbrown horses who was driving them, and she made a strong effort for composure.

She succeeded indifferently, but her friend, Mere Langlois, did not notice this fact as her wagon drew near.

There was excitement in Mere Langlois' face.
"There's been a shindy at the 'Red Eagle' tavern," she said.

"That father-in-law of M'sieu' Jean Jacques and Rocque Valescure, the landlord, they got at each other's throats.

Dolores hit Valescure on the head with a bottle." "He didn't kill Valescure, did he ?" "Not that--no.