father lifted her in his arms.

"No, no," he said, "little Francinette was dreaming. There was no one
there!"

"Yes, I saw him; he climbed over the wall!"

Simon took his gun and went out. Presently he returned, and with a look
towards his wife that contradicted his words, he said, "No, it is
nothing."

At the same time he wrote a few words on a bit of paper, and laid it on
the table near his wife. This is what she read:

"The child is right; there are footprints on the wall--a spy
undoubtedly." He said aloud: "And now, wife, make haste; there is no
time to lose. Francinette, go to the other window and see if your
brother is anywhere about. And Francoise," Simon continued rapidly, "I
do not think that our separation will last long, yet it is well to be
prepared for everything. All my secret and family papers are in this
portfolio. Take every care of it. And now, kiss me--let no one see you
weep!"

Michel and Jacques now entered.

"Well, Michel, what think you of our recruits?" asked Simon, cheerfully.

"Oh, they are born soldiers, and your boy Jacques is as bright as a
button!"

Simon drew his child toward him.

"My boy, I meant to take your mother and sister to some place of safety,
but I am needed here. You must go in my stead."

"Am I not to remain with you, father?" asked the boy, greatly
disappointed.

"No--you are to take care of all that is most precious to me in the
world. God bless you all!"

CHAPTER IX.

WHERE THE INVASION PASSES.

Never was there solitude more complete and more magnificent than at five
o'clock that January morning among the Vosges mountains. The snow was
piled up, softening the rugged outlines of the mountain peaks and
through the pale darkness dim shadows were silently moving. These
shadows are the brave mountaineers, who have come to defend France at
the summons of Simon, who, in spite of his wooden leg, displayed immense
activity. Among these there were no youths. The conscription had long
since swallowed them up. They were elderly men and boys. Two of them
were but fourteen, but they were vigorous and determined.

"We have arrived in time," said Simon, "but you are sure that there is
no other road by which they can reach the village?"

"Only the one by which the wagon came with the wounded, but that, too,
is well guarded."

"Yes," answered Simon, "a few brave fellows could keep an army back
there, and you know we are continually receiving reinforcements. A