CHAPTER VII.
OLD "NUMBER THIRTY-ONE." No sooner had the gate closed upon the subdued little ghost, shorn now of its terrors, than the old man strode forward to the place where Brossard crouched in the straw, still crossing himself.

This sudden appearance of his master at such a time only added to Brossard's fright.
As for Jules, his knees shook until he could scarcely stand.
Henri, his curiosity lending him courage, cautiously opened the kitchen door to peer out again.

Emboldened by the silence, he flung the door wide open, sending a broad stream of lamplight across the little group in the barnyard.

Without a word of greeting monsieur laid hold of the trembling Jules and drew him nearer the door.

Throwing open the child's blouse, he examined the thin little shoulders, which shrank away as if to dodge some expected blow.
"Go to my room," was all the old man said to him.