Leaving the cart abandoned by the roadside they set off again, Lucie sitting easily upon her improvised saddle and rather enjoying the novelty. Victor walked by her side, declaring that one could not tell what tricks a donkey might suddenly develop and it was well that one should be on hand. At last Lucie declared that it was Paulette’s turn to ride, and though at first she protested violently, the old woman finally was persuaded that Lucie would be made uncomfortable if she continued to refuse, so she mounted Long Ears and in this way the little company at last arrived at their destination. “Now,” said Victor, “the first thing is to discover Mons. Du Bois. If he be here I can leave you in safety.” “And if he is not here?” said Lucie with some trepidation. Victor looked troubled. “I am afraid I shall have to leave you in any case,” he answered slowly. “O, Victor,” cried Lucie, “how can we get along without you?” “Do you want him to be shot as a deserter?” asked Paulette severely. “He must get back to his regiment, and he has none too much time as it is.” “Oh!” Lucie looked distressed. “I did not think, but--” She looked questioningly at Paulette. “Do not distress yourself, my child,” returned Paulette imperturbably. “We shall get on. Monsieur, I beg that you will not embarrass yourself further. We are not the only women who must travel alone, and I have not a fear.” “I trust to you, Paulette,” said Victor heartily. “You remain here. I shall not be gone long.” Paulette dismounted from her steed and led him to one side where they would be less conspicuous. Lucie placed herself in a position to watch the street down which Victor had gone, and which led to the railway station. It was there that he intended first to go. He was as good as his word, for presently Lucie cried: “Here he comes, Paulette, and there is some one with him? If it should but be grandfather!” Paulette looked searchingly at the two approaching figures. “But that it is not,” she declared. “That is neither the form nor the gait of Mons. Du Bois.” Lucie drew a long sigh. “I did so hope,” she murmured. In a few minutes Victor came up with a stout, middle-aged man. “This is Mons. Carriere,” he announced. “He will do all in his power to locate Mons. Du Bois. As for me, I find I must take a train in a few minutes, but I am glad to leave you in safe hands.” “How can I thank you for all you have done,” said Lucie, with a look of regret in her eyes. “I wish you need not go, Victor, but I should like less your having to be shot.” Mons. Carriere looked inquiringly at Paulette. “Mademoiselle means that monsieur must return to his regiment,” she explained. “If you will believe it, monsieur has spent his entire leave in transforming himself into an escort for us.” “It is incredible,” exclaimed Mons. Carriere, turning to look at Victor. “But, I assure you, monsieur, it was my duty,” declared Victor. “Are we not in this war as much to protect our women as our land?”