The other servants were glad of their holiday and started by daybreak.

Gothard, assisted by Michu, saddled the horses as soon as they were gone, and the party started by way of the gardens to reach the forest.

Just as they were mounting--for the park gate was so low on the garden side that they led their horses until they were through it--old Beauvisage, the farmer at Bellache, happened to pass.
"There!" cried Gothard, "I hear some one." "Oh, it is only I," said the worthy man, coming toward them.

"Your servant, gentleman; are you off hunting, in spite of the new decrees?
_I_ don't complain of you; but do take care! though you have friends you have also enemies." "Oh, as for that," said the elder Hauteserre, smiling, "God grant that our hunt may be lucky to-day,--if so, you will get your masters back again." These words, to which events were destined to give a totally different meaning, earned a severe look from Laurence.

The elder Simeuse was confident that Malin would restore Gondreville for an indemnity.