An armful of wood was thrown on the fire and a second bottle of wine was brought.

Jacques warmed himself and drank.
Then, as it was necessary that the two poachers should be back at the chateau before daylight, that their absence might not be noticed, Michel paid for the wine and the wood, and the pair departed.
Neither had said one word before the landlord of the subject that filled their minds.

He was not to suspect that they were on other trail than that of game.

But no sooner were they outside of the house than Michel drew close to his son.

Jacques recounted how he had followed the tracks until they had reached a crossroad in the forest.