If she went across country the way was longer far, and there was a big
risk. If she went near those soldiers and was known, why, risk would
become a certainty. That Death would stare into her face then, none
knew better than Rosette; but Death was also very near Rosette's beloved
de Marigny, the man who had cared for her and loved her with all the
warmth of his big, generous heart.
"Ah! if my papa de Marigny dies, I may as well die too, Gegi," she
whispered wearily. The yellow mongrel cocked one ear with a rather
doubtful expression. "Well, we must take the risk. If papa de Marigny is
to live, you and I, Gegi, must take him warning!" Rosette cried,
springing to her feet; and Gegi signified his entire approval in a
couple of short barks. "I will take the sheep," his little mistress
murmured; "'tis slower, but they will be so pleased to see them. Poor
Jean Paulet!" she thought, with a faint smile.
Gegi bounded lightly through a gap in the hedge, and dashed up to the
soldiers inquisitively. With an oath, one of the men hurled a stone at
him, which Gegi easily dodged, and another man stretched out his hand
for his musket.
"There are worse flavours than dog's meat," he observed coolly. "Come,
little beast, you shall finish your life gloriously, nourishing soldiers
of the republic!" He placed his gun in position.
"He! you leave my dog alone!" called Rosette sharply, as she stepped
into the roadway.
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