"Oh, and as for that, they should kill me before I would rob in a church; and you, too, François?"
"There, or anywhere; what difference does it make, when once one has made up one's mind?"
"Why, I don't know; but I should be so frightened, I could never do it."
"No; but because of the portrait of the holy Virgin, who seems so kind and good."
"What consequence is a portrait? It won't eat or drink, you silly child!"
"That's very true; but then I really couldn't. It is not my fault."
"Talking of priests, Amandine, do you remember that day when Nicholas gave me two such hard boxes on the ear, because he saw me make a bow to the curate, who passed on the bank? I had seen everybody salute him, and so I saluted him; I didn't think I was doing any wrong."
"Yes; but then, you know, Brother Martial said, as Nicholas did, that there was no occasion to salute the priests."
At this moment François and Amandine heard footsteps in the passage. Martial was going to his chamber, without any mistrust, after his conversation with his mother, believing that Nicholas was safely locked up until the next morning. Seeing a ray of light coming from out the closet in which the children slept, Martial came into the room. They both ran to him, and he embraced them affectionately.
"No, brother, we waited until you came, that we might see you, and wish you good night," said Amandine.
"And then we heard you speaking very loud below, as if there were a quarrel," added François.
"Yes," said Martial, "I had some dispute with Nicholas, but it was nothing. Besides, I am glad to see you awake, as I have some good news for you."
"Should you like to go away from here, and come with me a long way off?"
"Well, then, in two or three days we shall all three leave the island."
"Oh, how delightful!" exclaimed Amandine, clapping her hands with joy.
"And where shall we go to?" inquired François.
"You will see, Mr. Inquisitive; no matter; but where you will learn a good trade, which will enable you to earn your living, be sure of that."
"Then I sha'n't go fishing with you any more, brother?"
"No, my boy, you will be put apprentice to a carpenter or locksmith. You are strong and handy, and with a good heart; and working hard, at the end of a year you may already have earned something. But you don't seem to like it: why, what ails you now?"