We saw him pass us,--he was
pale, he was cold, he was thin, he smelt of the cemetery."
"And his Reverence says that if a ghost gets hold of a living man he
can force him to be his companion," said the fourth Chouan.
The grotesque appearance of this last speaker drew Marche-a-Terre from
the pious reflections he had been making on the accomplishment of this
miracle of coming to life which, according to the Abbe Gudin would
happen to every true defender of religion and the king.
"You see, Galope-Chopine," he said to the fourth man gravely, "what
comes of omitting even the smallest duty commanded by our holy
religion. It is a warning to us, given by Saint Anne of Auray, to be
rigorous with ourselves for the slightest sin. Your cousin Pille-Miche
has asked the Gars to give you the surveillance of Fougeres, and the
Gars consents, and you'll be well paid--but you know with what flour
we bake a traitor's bread."
"Yes, Monsieur Marche-a-Terre."
"And you know why I tell you that. Some say you like cider and
gambling, but you can't play heads or tails now, remember; you must
belong to us only, or--"
"By your leave, Monsieur Marche-a-Terre, cider and stakes are two good
things which don't hinder a man's salvation."
"If my cousin commits any folly," said Pille-Miche, "it will be out of
ignorance."
"In any way he commits it, if harm comes," said Marche-a-Terre, in a
voice which made the arched roof tremble, "my gun won't miss him.
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