party then descended. The baroness had told Hector that for the
present at any rate she would go to Nancy, and would report to the new
lord's agents there what had happened, and doubtless he would send a man
to take charge of the place.

"These cups," she said, "were all the personal property of my husband,
and I am therefore free to take them. Many of them have been in his
family for a very long time. Their sale will enable me to live until I
can form some plans for the future."

The several silver vessels were collected and wrapped up ready for
transport in some of the hangings that the rioters had torn down. An
outhouse adjoining the keep was cleared out and thickly spread with
rushes for the accommodation of the baroness and her daughter. The
troops had already had a very long march, and it was out of the question
that they could return to Nancy that night. Fires were lighted in front
of the house, and the soldiers prepared to bivouac there. Three of the
troopers were sent off with orders to the captains of the other three
companies to concentrate the next morning at a village on the line that
would be taken on their return march. Some men were sent down to the
little town of Blenfoix to purchase bread and meat, together with
torches and other necessaries. At nightfall Hector posted sentinels,
as he considered it quite possible that the peasants would raise the
country for some distance round and try to take vengeance for the loss
they had suffered. When Paolo took some supper round to the two ladies,
he returned with a message that they hoped Colonel Campbell would join
them in their meal.

"See that the sentries are on the alert, Mieville," he said as he got up
from the fire round which he and the three officers were sitting; "you
must remember that these poor fellows are desperate. Of course you and
I know that they can do themselves no good by attacking castles and
burning chateaux, but were we in their place--famished, despairing, and
ignorant--we should doubtless do the same. And although, with men as
well disciplined as ours, there would be little chance of the peasants
overpowering us, they may trust in their numbers, and would believe that
if they could destroy us, the whole country might well rise and join
them. Should there be any sign of trouble, call me instantly."

Two sentries had been placed at the door of the outhouse, and as he
entered Hector said, "Keep good watch, men, and if you hear any noi