Madame Aubain gathered information, consulted Bourais, and made preparations as if they were going on an extended trip.
The baggage was sent the day before on Liebard's cart.

On the following morning, he brought around two horses, one of which had a woman's saddle with a velveteen back to it, while on the crupper of the other was a rolled shawl that was to be used for a seat.
Madame Aubain mounted the second horse, behind Liebard.

Felicite took charge of the little girl, and Paul rode M.Lechaptois' donkey, which had been lent for the occasion on the condition that they should be careful of it.
The road was so bad that it took two hours to cover the eight miles.

The two horses sank knee-deep into the mud and stumbled into ditches; sometimes they had to jump over them.

In certain places, Liebard's mare stopped abruptly.