"What, fool!" the General began furiously to Simon. "And all this time you--" he checked himself, remembering the presence of the others, who were looking at him curiously. "We have something to report to Monsieur le Général," Simon said hurriedly, with an eager sign of caution. "To save time--as Monsieur le Préfet is not here. A new conspiracy has been hatched at Les Chouettes--_Les Chouettes_, monsieur! Some of the gentlemen are probably there now. Some are to meet at the Étang des Morts, to start for England this very morning. They will be caught easily. But Les Chouettes should be searched, monsieur--important arrests can be made there." He came forward, almost pushing the General back against the stairs. "There are enough of us," he said, "but not enough authority. If Monsieur le Général would go himself"--he came up closer and muttered in Ratoneau's ear--"I know all--they are there--we can at least arrest the men--safe this time--the police have real evidence, and I have seen nightly visitors to Monsieur de la Marinière. But _they are there_, monsieur--I saw them on their way--I met the priest going back. And on my word, Monsieur le Comte managed it neatly." "Did he give you that broken head, fool? And why did you not come to me sooner?" "That was a gentleman with a wooden leg. Yes, he delayed me half an hour." "More fool you! Come, we must have these Chouans. Say nothing. Get me a horse--one that will carry double, mind you. Four of you fellows go on and watch the house. I and Simon will overtake you." He swore between his teeth as he turned away, "I will be the death of him, and I will have her yet!" CHAPTER XXVII HOW MONSIEUR JOSEPH WENT OUT INTO THE DAWN At Les Chouettes, in those early hours of the morning, they were waiting for Angelot's return. Monsieur Joseph, the softest-hearted, most open-natured man who ever posed as a dark and hard conspirator, could not now forgive himself for having sent the boy away. "Why did I not go myself?" he muttered. Faithfulness to the cause, honour towards César d'Ombré, a touch of severity, really born of love, towards Angelot's light-hearted indifference; these had led him into something like cruelty towards the girl who had been thrown with such wild and passionate haste into Angelot's arms. Monsieur Joseph regarded Hervé de Sainfoy's sudden action as a great embarrassment for the family, though he himself had once suggested such a marriage, out of indulgence for his nephew. He saw that the situation would be terribly awkward for Urbain and Anne, that they would hardly welcome such a daughter-in-law; yet, though he said sharp words about women to Angelot, he was heartily sorry for Hélène.