Leave me to take care of these and the Women above.' Jacques obeyed, and followed his Brother.

They seemed to converse with the New-Comers for a few minutes: After which I heard the Robbers dismount, and as I conjectured, bend their course towards the Barn.
'So! That is wisely done!' muttered Baptiste; 'They have quitted their Horses, that They may fall upon the Strangers by surprise.

Good! Good! and now to business.' I heard him approach a small Cupboard which was fixed up in a distant part of the room, and unlock it.

At this moment I felt myself shaken gently.
'Now! Now!' whispered Marguerite.
I opened my eyes.

Baptiste stood with his back towards me.