“Ah, when he is not here, you are full of boast and brag; but only let him show his face, and you are quiet as a mouse!”
This reproach seemed quite thrown away upon Nicholas, who, affecting not to have heard it, exclaimed:
“Come, come! Let’s unload the boat at once. Where is François, mother? He could help us a good deal.”
“Mother has locked him up, after having preciously flogged him; and, I can tell you, he will have to go to bed without any supper.”
“Well and good as far as that goes; but still, he might lend a hand in unloading the boat,—eh, mother? Because, then myself and Calabash could fetch all in at once.”
The widow raised her hand, and pointed with her finger towards the ceiling. Her daughter perfectly comprehended the signal, and departed at once to fetch François.
The cou
