Two chickens out of scores was a loss not worth thinking of, while the women escaped the panic and terror that my waking them up would have caused them.

When I can pay I will assuredly do so, since that is your desire; but I am sure you will see that, under such circumstances, it would be a crime to wake people from their sleep for the sake of a few sous." Philip laughed.
"Besides, sir," Pierre went on, "these people were either Huguenots or Catholics.

If they were Huguenots, they would be right glad to minister to those who are fighting on their behalf.

If they were Catholics, they would rob and murder us without mercy.

Therefore they may think themselves fortunate, indeed, to escape at so trifling a cost from the punishment they deserve." "That is all very well, Pierre; but the orders are strict against plundering and, if the Admiral were to catch you, you would get a sound thrashing with a stirrup leather." "I have risked worse than that, sir, many times in my life; and if I am caught, I will give them leave to use the strap.