The men were for continuing their way in spite of the weather, but the young girl besought them to wait till daylight, as she did not dare to venture out in the dark during such a storm, and would die of fright if left alone at the farm.

The men, ashamed to desert their companion, who was related to one of them, yielded to her entreaties and remained, hoping that the storm would be a sufficient excuse for the delay.

As soon as it was light, the five resumed their journey.

But the news of their crime had reached the ears of Laplace before they got back.

They were arrested, and all their excuses were of no avail.