She went to the door, and gave admittance to two men in blouses.  While one conversed with Mme. de Maufant, the other advanced to her sister, and, without taking heed of Le Gallais, addressed her in courtly tones, holding his fur cap in his hand, his brown hair fell down upon his shoulders.

“Fear nothing, bright pearl of Jersey,” said the stranger.  “A traveller who has heard of your charms asks leave to prove them.”

“Marguerite!” whispered Le Gallais on the other side, “be careful, it is the king.  I know his face.  I have seen him many times in church.”

Marguerite slipped to the ground on her knees.  “Ah, sir,” she said, imploringly, “the honour that you do us may cost your life.  Your enemies are at hand.  Perhaps the house is already surrounded.  Ah, heaven! put up your hair!” So saying she aided the smiling young king to restore his disguise, whilst Alain, with a sudden impulse, threw himself upon Benoist, whom he gagged and pinioned almost before the rascal could utter a sound.

Charles, meanwhile not unwilling to wait the conclusion of the adventure, retired by a back door, followed by Rose, who showed him into the kitchen.  The barking of the dog was at the same moment renewed, and other footsteps and voices were heard further from the house, which was apparently surrounded.

Marguerite sank into a chair, while Le Gallais carried the helpless Benoist out with whispered threats; and, throwing him into a dark stable, shut the door upon him, locking it behind him and putting the key into his pocket.  He then returned into the parlour, and telling Rose—­who had re-entered the room—­what he had done, bade her be of good cheer.  Marguerite continued to kneel, and her lips moved as if in prayer.

Meantime the voices came nearer.  The dog, with one sharp yell ceased to bark, and knocks were heard at the door.  Alain gave Rose one encouraging look and went out alone and unarmed to meet Querto and a number of peasants, most of whom he recognised as belonging to his own company of the parish militia.

“What is it, neighbours?” he said, taking no notice of the major, and speaking the local dialect.

“Why, this gentleman hath brought us here to seize a spy,” said one of them—­our old acquaintance Le Gros.

“There is no spy here but himself,” answered Le Gallais.  Do you not know who he is, Maitre Le Gros?  This is Major Querto, who came here about selling Jersey to the French.

“What are you saying in your whoreson lingo?’” cried the major.  “Let us in.”

“He wishes to do some mischief here,” pursued Le Gallais.  “Perhaps to rob the ladies.  Will you see Michael Lempriere’s wife plundered?”

“Never,” said another of the peasants.  “He said a spy had got admission on false pretences.”

“There is no one here but I,” said Le Gallais.  “Do you take me for a spy?”

“We do not, Alain.  Vive M. le Capitaine!  What shall we do with him?” said many friendly voices.