I don't
know whether they are dead or alive. I haven't said anything
about it, because you were so ill and there were so many other
worries, but this plan has been in my mind all the time. What we
shall do when we get to Fontanelle I do not know, but we shall be
no worse off than other refugees, and at any rate we shall not be
under shell-fire every day."
"If we can't find any place to stay there, why can't we go on and
on down the river, until we get clear to the sea," said Pierre
with enthusiasm.
"It's just like being gypsies, isn't it?" added Pierrette.
"So far as I can see," said Mother Meraut, "we've got to go on
and on! Certainly we can't go back."
"No, we can't go back," echoed her husband, with a sigh.
All the pleasant afternoon they drifted peacefully along, and
nightfall found them in open country. It began to grow colder as
darkness came on. "We shall need all our blankets if we are to
sleep in the fields," said Mother Meraut at last. "It's time for
supper and bed, anyway. Let's go ashore."
"We'll build a fire on the bank and cook our supper there," said
her husband.
"What is there, Mother, that we can cook?"
"There are eggs to fry, and potatoes to roast in the ashes," she
answered, " and coffee besides."
"I am as hungry as a wolf," said Pierrette.
"I'm as hungry as two wolves," said Pierre.
They found a landing-place, and the Ark was drawn ashore. Pierre
and Pierrette ran at once to gather sticks and leaves.
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