"Why, Jacques, are they not friends of yours?
are they not sons of Michael Stein, the smith ?" "Quiet, M.Henri; pray be quiet for a moment, and I will explain." "Are they not strong, active lads," said the Cure, turning somewhat angrily on Chapeau, as though he were responsible for the principles of his friends.
"They are, they are, your reverence, fine strong active lads as you ever laid your eyes on." "And they are afraid to carry a musket for their king ?" "Not a bit, Father Jerome, not a bit afraid; nor yet unwilling, M.
Henri.

I will explain it all; only let us be a little by ourselves." "There is a mystery, Father Jerome," said Henri, "and Chapeau must have his own way in explaining it." "Exactly, M.Henri; I will explain all." By this time he had got the priest and his master somewhat out of the crowd.

"You see, M.Henri, there are not two young men in the Bocage more determined to fight for the good cause this moment, than Jean and Peter Stein." "Why, Jacques, I do not see it yet, certainly." "Oh! Sir, it's a fact; they are dying to have a musket in their hands.
I pledge for them my word of honour," and Jacques laid his hand upon his heart.

"You will find they are with me, your reverence, when I meet you at the cross-roads, within half a mile of Coron, on Monday morning.

But, M.Henri, they have a father." "Have a father!" said the Cure, "of course they have." "You don't mean to tell me that Michael Stein, the smith, is a republican ?" "A republican!" said Jaques.