He asked her if
it was French or English money, and on her taking out her precious
Russia-leather purse from its hiding-place, and producing with
trembling hands an English sovereign, he had changed it into small
and useful French money, and had tried to make the child comprehend
the difference between the two. When they got to Calais he managed to
land the children without the necessity of a passport, of which, of
course, Cecile knew nothing. What more he might have done was never
revealed, for Cecile, Maurice, and Toby were quickly lost sight of in
the bustle on the quay.
The little trio walked off--Cecile, at least, feeling very
triumphant--and never paused, until obliged to do so, owing to
Maurice's weariness.
"We will find a village at once now, Maurice," said his little
sister. She called Toby, whistled to him, gave him to understand what
they wanted, and the dog, with a short bark and glance of
intelligence, ran on in front. He sniffed the air, he smelt the
ground. Presently he seemed to know all about it, for he set off
soberly in a direct line; and after half an hour's walking, brought
the children to a little hamlet, of about a dozen poor-looking
houses. In front of a tiny inn he drew up and sat down on his
haunches, tired, but well pleased.
The door of the little wayside inn stood open. Cecile and Maurice
entered at once. A woman in a tall peasant's cap and white apron came
forward and demanded in French what she could serve the little dears
with.
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