ocure them?

The police kept a close watch over the physicians and druggists in
Montaignac, in the hope of discovering the wounded conspirators through
them.

But the cure, who had been for ten years physician and surgeon for the
poor of his parish, had an almost complete set of surgical instruments
and a well-filled medicine-chest.

"This evening," said he, "I will obtain what is needful."

When night came, he put on a long blue blouse, shaded his face by an
immense slouch hat, and directed his steps toward Sairmeuse.

Not a light was visible through the windows of the presbytery; Bibiane,
the old housekeeper, must have gone out to gossip with some of the
neighbors.

The priest effected an entrance into the house, which had once been
his, by forcing the lock of the door opening on the garden; he found the
requisite articles, and retired without having been discovered.

That night the abbe hazarded a cruel but indispensable operation. His
heart trembled, but not the hand that held the knife, although he had
never before attempted so difficult a task.

"It is not upon my weak powers that I rely: I have placed my trust in
One who is on High."

His faith was rewarded. Three days later the wounded man, after quite a
comfortable night, seemed to regain consciousness.

His first glance was for his devoted wife, who was seated by his
bedside; his first word was for his son.

"Maurice?" he asked.

"Is in safety," replied the abbe. "He must be on the way to Turin."

M. d'Escorval's lips moved as if he were murmuring a prayer; then, in a
feeble voice:

"We owe you a debt of gratitude which we can never pay," he murmured,
"for I think I shall pull through."

He did "pull through," but not without terrible suffering, not without
difficulties that made those around him tremble with anxiety. Jean
Lacheneur, more fortunate, was on his feet by the end of the week.

Forty days had passed, when one evening--it was the 17th of April--while
the abbe was reading a newspaper to the baron, the door gently opened
and one of the Poignot boys put in his head, then quickly withdrew it.

The priest finished the paragraph, laid down the paper, and quietly went
out.

"What is it?" he inquired of the young man.

"Ah! Monsieur, Monsieur Maurice, Mademoiselle Lacheneur and the old
corporal have just arrived; they wish to come up."

In three bounds the abbe descended the narrow staircase.

"Unfortunate creatures!" he exclaimed