But I tell you, I wish the boys no harm; let them be soldiers now, and I pray God they may be good soldiers; only, if I save a little money by hard work, I won't have them spend it among their comrades in strong drink; it'll be all the better for Annot, when I die, that's all." In this resolution he remained fixed, and in this frame of mind he received his truant sons on their return to Echanbroignes on the Sunday morning.

They entered the village together with Chapeau, about nine in the morning, having been met about a mile from the town, by four or five friends, who escorted them back.

Annot was not there, for she was very busy at home, preparing breakfast for her brothers and lover.

She at any rate was determined that the prodigal sons should be received with a fatted calf.
Chapeau marched up through the village at the head of the little procession to bear the brunt of the father's anger, as his station in life, and standing in the army made him feel superior even to the fury of old Michael Stein.

As they approached the door of the smith's house, they saw him sitting in the little porch with a pipe in his mouth, for Michael was never found without one or two implements; he had always either his hammer or his pipe in lull activity.
"Welcome back to Echanbroignes, M.Chapeau, welcome back," said the old man.