A strange scene awaited him.

In the broad open space extending from the front of the chateau to the _parterre_ lay a huge pile of all kinds of clothing, linen, plate, and furniture.

One might have supposed that the occupants of the chateau were moving.

A half dozen men were running to and fro, and standing in the centre of the rubbish was the Duc de Sairmeuse, giving orders.
Martial did not understand the whole meaning of the scene at first.

He went to his father, and after saluting him respectfully, inquired: "What is all this ?" M.de Sairmeuse laughed heartily.
"What! can you not guess ?" he replied.