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KEEPING MY HEAD By Geneva In the French revolution, Berthe, an innkeeper's wife, and her husband Matthieu help refugees escape the Reign of Terror with the help of her grandmother's magic book. She also gets revenge for a past injury. START The afternoon air was fresh and I was welcoming a breather from the chores of the inn, especially its stuffy kitchen, when the coach from Rouen rolled up and stopped across the street from me. Actually, I usually did that as it was always a good idea to drum up business for the inn and I casually watched the alighting passengers to see if any would be likely guests. Matthieu and I were doing well enough at our inn. We had worked hard since he had inherited it from one of his aunts a few years back. The inn gave a good livelihood to us and our three girls. The half dozen passengers climbed out slowly, stretching to relieve their cramped muscles and aching backs. I recognized two of them as inhabitants of the small fishing port that was our home. Another two climbed down after them. I did not know them at all but once they had picked up their bags thrown down from the top of the coach they purposefully made their way down to the harbor at the side and I saw a young man in fisherman's clothing waving to them from the dockside. I supposed they would be on their way to one of the smaller villages along the coast. It was a fine day and their trip would be comfortable enough. I paid a little more attention as the last passengers, a young man and woman, climbed down from the coach. They were dressed in fairly shabby working clothes, but there was something about them that seemed slightly out of place. I had seen neither of them before and they were obviously unfamiliar with the village. I watched them look round then the woman pointed to the sign of the inn and, picking up two small bags, they started across the street to me. I nodded to them as they approached, giving a smile to welcome them. "You're looking for accommodation," I asked. "Yes, Madame, for several nights," said the man. That was another thing. I did not think that his accent and speech matched their clothing, but I chided myself. It really was no concern of mine. "Then I have space for you. My husband is the owner of the inn. I am Madame Besancon, Berthe. My husband is in the kitchen just now. He is called Matthieu. You'll be able to meet him soon. Now, how long do you want to stay? You said several nights? Your names are?" "My name is Jules, Jules Leroux, and this is my wife Jacqueline. We will probably stay for about three days." That sounded good, all business was welcome. " And you will be wanting to share a room, I expect? It will sleep six." Usually poorly dressed people like them were careful with money and were willing to share a room. If they all lay on the floor it was amazing sometimes, how many could be placed in one room. To my surprise the man shook his head, "Oh no, Madame, we wish a room completely to ourselves." "Well then, I can give you a room completely for yourselves. Then you'd better come in." I gave them the price of an individual room and without haggling they agreed. Jules opened a purse and paid for three nights, plus meals. This too was a bit unusual. It was more likely that they would want to be on their way as soon as they could. I wondered what possible business they could have in this small fishing port. I took another surreptitious look at them. Both looked as if they were in their twenties. Another thing, I thought their faces were much too pale for working people. All of the local peasants and fisherman had weather beaten features. I could have understood it with the woman if she did not work much outside but obviously the young man did not get out much either. Also, when he had paid out the coins, I noticed that his hands were soft, free of calluses and stains, and his fingernails were even and clean. Whoever he was, he was no simple workman. He had not been used to working with his hands. "All right, come with me. Your room is upstairs." When I showed them their room I detected just a bit of disdain, but they accepted it. I was slightly annoyed. What did they expect in a small fishing port like ours? "You will be hungry?" I asked. " I will have supper ready in about an hour. We have some nice stew." They thanked me, again in a gracious manner that I did not think match their supposed humble status. "A couple of guests came in the coach?" Matthieu asked me as I was in the kitchen cutting up some vegetables for the supper. "That's good. We need all the trade we can get. Did they say where they're from?" "No, they didn't. There's something not quite right, or doesn't ring true. I've been thinking about them. Maybe the answer's obvious. First, his accent, it's much too cultured for a peasant workman and it's certainly not a local accent. And the coach came from Rouen, and Paris is beyond that. There's a revolution going on there, in full course. "And we've heard that he king, the queen, many aristocracy and others have been imprisoned." Matthieu gave a grim smile. "Yes, usually followed after a hasty trial with a short trip in a tumbril to the guillotine and execution before a jeering crowd." I shuddered at the thought. "Yes, we've also heard that a lot have attempted to escape seeing the danger they're in. The revolutionaries are beginning to cast about for more victims. Often they've tried to make for England, and there's good money to be made for any boat owner who wants to transport people across the short sea crossing over to England." Matthieu looked out over the harbor. "Yes, I've heard rumors of some of the local fisherman doing this, and certainly some of them appear to be showing signs of a lot more money than they'd get from fishing." Matthieu grinned. "Yes, more than rumors, my own brother Pierre is one of them. His is a quiet village, no one there to poke their noses into what he gets up to." "Well, he should be careful. It's supposed to be illegal." "Pah, the goings on in Paris aren't given much attention by most of the citizens here in this village. Revolution or not, we'll just exchange one group of overlords for another." I watched the couple at supper. The inn was busy, with some other travelers from along the coast and some locals coming in for ale. Besides, there were my own three girls to feed and look after. The couple sat at a table with some local inhabitants and only had minimal conversation with them. I noticed that their table manners were a lot better than the locals too. I had a restless night. When I was younger I had had occasional strange dreams. After I was married I had them less and less but I wondered if something must had set me off. I lay awake for a bit and stared up at the ceiling, wondering about the couple until I got back to sleep. Next morning I woke just as the sky was showing some light. Running an inn meant we always had to be up early. As I sat up in bed and arched my back, wishing I had slept more, I felt Matthieu's hand stroke up and down my back and I lay back in his arms for an extra minute. I felt him lifting up my nightdress, then his arms were around me and his hands cupped my breasts. "Mmm, you have a lovely body, Berthe." I gave a small giggle. "Even after three children?" I made light of it but I was secretly pleased. I had kept my young figure over our ten years of marriage and three daughters. I thought of the other village woman of my age, most of them sliding into maturity with figures growing ever stouter. "You seemed restless last night, Berthe. Another of your dreams?" I drew in my breath. "Yes, I'm sorry I disturbed you." "Much you remember this time?" I shook my head. "It's all too vague, noise, and a feeling of coldness, then later a feeling of panic, a feeling of wanting to flee, as if I was hurtling over the countryside. But things are too jumbled. There's nothing definite. Like any dream, I suppose." Matthieu stroked my brow then my cheeks and pulled me to him, kissing the back of my neck. When he turned over me and leaned down to kiss my breasts, I felt my nipples harden but I reluctantly shook my head and pulled away from him. "Sorry, Matthieu, too much work to do. There's the fires to be started and the breakfast to make for everybody. Maybe tonight." I gave him a little peck on his stubbly beard. Later that morning, after breakfast, I watched the young couple make their way down to the harbor. Although their gait was slow, as if on a leisurely stroll, they were making directly to it. I would have liked to watch them but there were too many chores to do at the inn and I only saw them again when they returned to the inn several hours later. "So, Monsieur Leroux, you had a look round the harbor?" I asked. "Yes, we wanted to watch the fishing boats," Jules answered. That convinced me. If they were ordinary working people, they would not have the leisure time to wander around a harbor just to look at boats. Still, I had to be cautious. "Ah yes, the fishermen sometimes sail quite far out for their catches. Some of them even get quite close to the English coast," I added and gave them a slight smile. "You would be interested in talking to some of these, just to hear their experiences?" I asked. Jules' eyebrows lifted. "If you know some, yes." I knew we all had to be careful. For my own part, in case they were agents of the revolutionaries and sent to trap those who helped in getting people away from France. In turn, the couple had to watch in case I betrayed them for a reward. Emigration was illegal, but it was not too efficiently enforced. The next morning I watched them as they left the inn, supposedly for another stroll round the harbor. But at midday they returned again with disappointment on their faces. By this time I was sure they were refugees and I decided to be more direct. Later in the evening I knocked the door of their room. "Excuse me, Monsieur Leroux, I wish to speak to you about something." "Yes, Madame? "As he opened the door I stepped in and closed it behind me. I held my finger to my lips and spoke quietly. "Monsieur Leroux, Madame Leroux. I think it is obvious to me that you wish to get away from France." The faces of both tightened, which helped confirm what I had thought. The woman's face was drawn and I took her hands. "Look Madame, I understand and I will not ask many questions, but I know a fisherman who keeps his boat at a small village just round the headland. In fact it is my brother-in-law. I know he would be willing to sail you over to England. He has already taken some groups over. Shall I contact him?" The woman's face lit up but the man's face remained uneasy and suspicious. I nodded. "Monsieur, you are right to be suspicious, but I assure you that I will not betray you. You should know I did not approve of the former regime, but I do not think this terrible bloodshed, as has been happening in Paris, and elsewhere, is good for France. If you want I will send word to my brother-in-law, he is called Pierre, and you can meet him tonight." It looked as if the man had made a decision. He looked at his wife and she gave a slight nod of approval. "Then I would be grateful if you would arrange it, Madame Besancon." I went down to the kitchen and discussed it with Matthieu. "Yes, it's the right thing to do, but we'll have to be careful. Use one of the girls. Anne would be best. Send her over to Pierre and get him to come here tonight." Pierre arrived at the inn soon after supper. After an exchange of some greetings and Pierre slaking his thirst with some beer, Matthieu and I took him aside while our eldest daughter Anne stood guard to prevent unwanted eavesdroppers. "So, Pierre, we've a couple here who wish to escape to England. Could you do this?" Pierre looked round carefully and nodded. "Yes, in fact if they want to get off tomorrow I can do it." He stepped outside briefly and held a finger up to test the wind. "I think the wind will be suitable. Maybe faster going over than coming back. I'll have to catch some fish too, just in case anyone asks." I led him upstairs and introduced him to the couple then left them, but watched carefully round the inn. There were always agents of the Committee of Public Safety snooping around. In their small village she could easily spot strangers but it was as well to be careful. It really only took a few minutes and I heard the noise of Pierre 's fisherman's boots come down the stairs. He nodded to me and I pointed to the kitchen where it was more private. He spoke quietly. "It's arranged, Matthieu, Berthe. We're going to leave tomorrow morning, very early. It will still be mostly dark but the conditions are good. It's only a moderate breeze and a day's sailing should do it." Later I went up to the couple's room. "So, you leave tomorrow? I will not be there to see you go. In case I am ever asked, it will be as if you left hurriedly in the night. Look, I have some food for you," and I passed them a bag with bread, cheese and some apples, and two bottles of a table wine. " That will keep you from being hungry. After all, you've paid for several nights. Now, Pierre has made all the arrangements? You understand them?" "Yes, Madame, we are to leave on that path behind here and follow the cliffs to his village. He's drawn us a sketch. He says it should take about an hour to walk there. The night should be clear and we have a half-moon so we will be able to see quite well." "Then good fortune to you," I nodded to the man and was about to embrace the woman but she wrung my hand. "Excuse me, Madame Besancon, you have been very helpful. Can I pass your name to others like us? You see, I have a cousin who also wants to escape with his family. They live in Paris and are concerned for their safety. He was a secretary for a nobleman who has been guillotined already and will be in danger. I can get word back to him." I drew in my breath. "Yes, but please, be very careful! If there are spies around here or elsewhere for the Committee of Public Safety I don't want my name known, or anything about me at all. Then again, good fortune!" I lay in bed that night, but I had trouble getting to sleep and just after midnight I heard a slight movement from upstairs. Later, I heard a slight creak and I knew the back door of the inn had opened. The next morning I tidied the couple's room to free it from any sign they had been there. There were the usual chores for the inn to follow, but my mind kept thinking about Jules and his wife, if they had been successful. It was actually two days later when Pierre came to see us at the inn. "Yes, we got across safely," he said, seeing my concerned look. "The only boats we saw were some English fishing boats. It was late evening when I landed at a small fishing village. I left them there on their own and after a short rest I immediately sailed back to France. It was a clear night and I could steer easily." "Pierre, they asked if we could arrange passage for some others." "Yes, they asked me too. They paid me well, but it's risky. Yes, I would do it again, to save some lives even though the money is good too." .......... In the square in Paris the cries of the crowd gave way to a murmur of anticipation. Paul Fortier winced as the blade came down with an audible thud, and the victim's head tumbled into a basket. He took a breath of relief and barely heard the subsequent triumphant screams from the mob crowded round the guillotine as the victim's head was held up. Now the Comte de St. Aubin was gone, and he would be free of the debt. Now there was little danger of his debt being discovered or, even if it were, any of his debts would be dismissed. French society was in two much turmoil and the aristocracy had gouged the peasants and others so much that no one would be concerned about any money owing. He watched as another tumbril arrived from the prison and its six miserable passengers were executed in turn. After an announcement that it was the end of the executions for that day he decided it was time to go to his lodgings. There were still some pressing matters for him. He sighed. It was time he returned to Normandy to see what he could salvage from the remnants of his failing carriage constructing business. As he turned to leave, someone caught his sleeve. "Citizen Fortier, can I have word with you?" It was Claude Boisjoli. Paul recognized him as an associate of one of the members of the 'Committee for Public Safety' that guided the course of the revolution and the arrests and trials of those perceived to be enemies. Paul started guiltily. Had someone discovered his deceit? But he couldn't see any soldiers accompanying Boisjoli and the expression on Boisjoli's plump face was not unpleasant. "Yes, Citizen Boisjoli?" "Look, Citizen Fortier, call me Claude and I shall call you Paul. Let's sit down at that tavern. I have an offer for you. I think you may be interested." They sat down and ordered wine. Paul looked at Boisjoli expectantly. "You wanted to say something to me, Citizen Boisjoli-I mean Claude." The other looked at him benevolently. "That was good work you did, denouncing that aristocrat, and testifying fearlessly against him at his trial. Your zeal and determination have caught the attention of the Committee. They are very impressed with you." Paul listened, trying to determine if Boisjoli was sarcastic or trying to trap him. He had actually made most of his story up, of course, spinning the tale that he was an honest worker who had struggled against the nobleman's exactions. But Boisjoli seemed sincere. "I was only doing my duty as a French patriot," Paul said, pretending sincerity. "I know, Citoyen. So, we of the Committee have been wondering if you could put the same zeal into hunting down other who represent a threat to the republic." Paul tried not to show his jubilation. Boisjoli was also an associate of Robespierre, one of the more powerful of the new order. He was a useful person to know. Besides, his carriage business back home was on the verge of failing. Even with his debt to the Marquis no longer over his head, he would be lucky to salvage much from it. Now, if he got a position under the new government he would be sure of revenue, and there could even be opportunities to remove valuables from houses. Then he could hide his traces by suggesting to the mob that there were valuables to be looted. The mob's plundering would hide his own theft. "I would be delighted to. I believe utterly in the principles of the revolution." He leaned back. "In fact I shall take the name Egalite!" Boisjoli beamed at him. "Excellent! Mmm, I like that! Very commendable! Although, I believe one of the nobility has taken that name too. Pretending he is one of us! We shall soon see. Anyway, then please come to see me tomorrow, here!" And he passed an address to Paul. Paul was still wary. Perhaps the offer was genuine. Perhaps it was a ploy to get him into a place where he could easily be arrested. But he reasoned they could arrest him anywhere. They had shown themselves capable of that in the past. The next morning he presented himself at Boisjoli's office. The warm welcome he received soon made him feel at ease. Boisjoli even rose to greet him. "Ah, Citoyen Fortier, Egalite. Please come into my room and hear my offer." Boisjoli even offered him a glass of wine but soon got down to business. He explained the position again and when Fortier agreed he handed him some papers. "Here is your commission. You are to seek out all who resist or seek to undermine the revolution. You are to pursue and apprehend all members of the former regime who do not give their full support. I addition, you will pursue all who try to flee the country. They should stand trial for past crimes and treason. They may become agitators who will give support and information to foreign powers who want to invade France. Our country and its revolution should be prepared to defend itself. They are actually talking about a draft, a Levee en Masse, to raise a standing army. It will apply to all able-bodied men." Fortier forced himself to hide his feelings. That was another good reason to take the appointment. He was no longer a young man and might avoid the draft anyway, but this appointment would definitely keep him out of the army. "You will need help. One of the Committee of Public Safety has a nephew, a young man, called Henry Masdin who he wants to help in his career. I'll make him your assistant, and you will have the use of six soldiers to help arrest and capture suspects. You will report to me. I do not give you exactly carte blanche, but you will have a wide freedom of action. "Now let me see." Boisjoli looked through a sheaf of papers on his desk. "To begin with, here is a list of people we suspect. Work your way down this and bring them to justice. I want you to start this as soon as possible." "Yes, of course, Citizen Boisjoli." But he thought of something. "Please, I have a business in Rouen. I have four men working there but I would like to close it so that I am not distracted and can serve the revolution better. I will need two days to close it down." "Rouen? That's a great coincidence. In fact, that would be a good place for you to start your investigations, that and the fishing ports. We've heard that those who are fleeing Paris often head for ports in Normandy to get boats to England. They often go through Rouen so you should head there and get going on your investigations. But, remember, everyone you capture should be brought to Paris for trial and execution." That night, Paul could hardly conceal his jubilation and excitement. He started on a new bottle of brandy to celebrate. Ah! his life was perhaps finally turning around. He had power and even people under him. He thought of his earlier difficulties. He had been a younger brother. His older brother Jean was the one who had inherited the family carriage and wagon making business. Jean had even won the hand of Michelle, who Paul had wanted for himself. Then Fortune had smiled on him, briefly. Jean and Michelle were killed in a carriage accident, leaving only their young son. Seeing an opportunity, Paul had twice attempted to kill the boy, but a nosy serving maid in the house had foiled him both times. He did not know if she really suspected him but before he could devise another plan to kill the boy she had run off with the boy. He had never heard of any of them again, even with vigorous attempts to find the pair. Good riddance! That left the business for him. Still, he wondered what had become of them. He let the thought sip from his mind. He had not heard of them for years. He took another swallow of the brandy. It was a good product. Unfortunately the carriage business had started to run into deeper and deeper trouble. His stupid oafs of workmen had been unable to carry on without his direction. As if he should be expected to stand over them! An aristocrat he had met at a gambling salon, The Comte de St. Aubin, had loaned him some money but that had soon gone too. Then the man had even threatened him with a lawsuit, but when the revolution broke out Paul had seen his opportunity to get out from under the man. His denunciation of the aristocrat was eagerly accepted by the court with no questions asked. Just the day, before the man had gone to the guillotine with his son. He took another swallow. Life may have had conspired against him but he would make sure that he would pursue the enemies of the revolution with all of his vigor. All going well, he might rise in the new government. His head ached the next morning, but he still had time to recover before he took the coach to Rouen. When he wound up his business the few workers left would have to get other jobs. He wondered why he even bothered to think about them. Whatever they did was below any concern of his. Back in Rouen he wasted no time in calling the workers together in front of him at the small factory." I have decided to get out of the carriage manufacturing, immediately. You will have to find other work. Myself, I have been called to an important position in Paris, one reporting to the Committee of Public Safety." Two of the workmen let out their breath and shook their heads and the other two just shrugged, as if they had been expecting it. He fielded some questions about trying to keep the business on but to tell the truth, he was tired of it. He was meant for greater things than a carriage maker. As an agent for the Committee he would be able to use his talents to the full. "I hear there will soon be a draft into the new army. That will give you work!" he sneered to the two younger men. One of them, Edouard Cloutier, looked very worried. His oldest employee, Armand Cloutier, the father of Edouard, stood almost in his way as he went to leave. "So that's the end, Patron? " he said sadly. "This company has lasted three generations. Your grandfather founded it. I've worked here all of my life." "Well, times change!" Paul snapped. "So you and your son had better be looking for more work!" You at least will probably be too old for the army. I hear that Seurat the carpenter needs more help." Cloutier shook his head. "I don't think we'll stay here, Patron. I think we'll go back to the coast, to the fishing village I was born in. My sister lives there. I expect we can find work repairing fishing boats." .......... I wondered if we would have any more escapees from the revolution, then, once again, several weeks after the young couple had gone, I stood watching the Rouen coach stop across the street. This time a whole family climbed down from the coach, a couple with four children. Somehow the couple who had escaped must have got word to her relatives. I frowned, shook my head and took a deep breath when I saw them. At least they had had the sense to wear large cloaks, but underneath they were too well dressed. Jules and Jacqueline had been more careful and worn rough peasant or working clothing. This family had fancy clothing, even some stuff obviously made of silk. I checked around hastily. Fortunately there were very few villagers around and when the family made their way to the inn it did not look as if they were especially noticed. "Yes, monsieur?" I said when I had finally ushered the family in through the inn door. I closed it firmly behind them after checking that the street had no suspicious individuals. "Madame Besancon, I believe your name is Berthe? I am Guillaume Frontenac and this is my wife Marguerite. And these are my children Ann- Marie, Gregoire, Dominique and Charles. I will need your help. "You see, I was a senior member of an organization that seems to have aroused the ire of the revolutionaries. Several of my colleagues have been arrested and two have already been executed. Also I was a secretary for a nobleman and I do not want to take the risk. I would like you to arrange a contact with your friend Pierre who can sail us to England? We need to escape." I felt my hackles rise. I liked neither his manner nor the tone of his voice. It was as if he expected me to be at his complete beck and call. Still, business was business. "Yes, Monsieur, I think I can arrange this, but, please, Monsieur, please keep your voice down. Also, I think you do not realize how careless you have been. Look at your clothes! They are too fine. Anyone looking at you in this little village would immediately suspect you. There could be spies or someone who could betray you. You do not want to risk capture. My own life too is in danger. Have you other clothes?" Both shook their heads. They actually looked annoyed that I would criticize them. So, as with the Leroux couple, when they had paid I immediately led them upstairs and put them in the one room. It was well away from the rest of our rooms. "I ask you all to stay in this room! I will bring all your meals to you. Better that you keep out of sight. If anyone asks I will just say you are both feeling unwell. "Now, I expect you'll want quick passage. I will contact the fisherman who can take you." "As soon as possible, Madame. I expect we will leave from the harbor here?' I shook my head. "Not at all! This is a small harbor, and you would be in the view of all who worked there. No, the arrangement will be the same as your cousin. You will leave from here at night and walk to the next village. It is just an hour or so along the coast from here and Pierre will meet you." "Could we arrange a carriage to take us there?" What did he think this place was? I glared at him. "First, there are no carriages for hire here. Even if there were, that way you would draw attention to yourself. You may wish to risk the guillotine. I don't!" I had the satisfaction of seeing their faces go white. Unfortunately worsening weather conditions stirred up the sea. "We've had to put up with them for several days," I complained to Matthieu.. He went to the window and looked out over the sea. "Yes, the wind has risen and the sky is dark. I think that sailing would be too difficult as well. At least they're paying us well." Finally, the weather cleared up and I was glad to see their backs when they left after yet another day. When Pierre reported back to us it was obvious that he must have felt the same about the couple's attitude. "No wonder there was a revolution with attitudes like these two had," he complained. "Still, they are safe now. Now the English will have to put up with them!" He grinned. "Over in England I deliberately landed on a deserted beach. I made them get overboard and wade through the surf to the land. Maybe wet feet and clothing will help their attitude. "But Berthe, I make a joke but it was very risky. They were too well dressed and their attitude was haughty. I don't want any more like them. " He spat on the ground. "They even haggled at the end about how much they owed me." I shrugged. "Yes, I have little love for most of them, but I don't want to see deaths. They tell me there are hundreds of executions in Paris. If any more refugees come around I will be more careful." The next morning I woke up, but feeling that I wanted more sleep. "You had another restless night last night?" asked Matthieu. "It's not so long ago you had the last one!" I sighed. "Yes, I don't know what causes it. Since I married you, and since the children, they had seemed less and less. Now that's twice in a few weeks." Maybe it's the stress of these refugees." "We don't have to help them. The inn gives us an adequate living." "I know, but I feel we have to save lives." ....... In their quarters at Rouen Egalite Fortier sat down with Henri Masdin. "Masdin, I've had reports that some aristocrats have been escaping from fishing ports on the coast. We will have to investigate that. Unfortunately we have been directed also to investigate reports of sedition in this town." He shook his head. "So much to do!" "We must be careful that we arrest only the guilty!" "We arrest any and all we suspect! The tribunal will determine guilt!" He wondered if Henri was showing the proper revolutionary determination. "So, I suggest that I go on ahead and make some preliminary investigation. You check to see if there is anything to the rumors of sedition here. Be sure you are thorough! Then when you are done, follow me to the coast with the men. Hopefully I will have completed my investigations and we can get some arrests and take the culprits back to Paris." Masdin sounded chastened. "As you wish, Citoyen Fortie. I'll get right to it." Fortier watched him go. Boisjoli had complimented him on his work already, but he had to look to the future. It would be better to keep all of the important work himself. It would look good on his report, help in any further position in the new government, and Masdin would be kept as an underling. He actually wondered about Masdin's zeal. Just earlier that day Masdin had had the impertinence to comment negatively on an incident when Fortier had slapped a woman to get her to divulge information. He flushed, remembering the soldiers snickering at their dispute. ...... "Berhe?" called Matthieu, several days after the group had escaped. "Someone for you!" It was one of the fishermen from along the coast with a message. "This is from old Madame Plessy. She says she is your grandmother." I took the note and read it, very surprised by its message. "What is it? "asked Matthieu. "You look taken aback." "Yes, It's from my grandmother. She wants me to go and see her." "What does she want? You've not had much contact with her lately." I shrugged. "That's true. I suppose I've been to busy with everything. Yes, I know I was brought up by her and I have no cause for complaint, but I always felt a bit of a barrier between us. My mother died when I was younger, she told me. When I asked about my father she said he had died too, but it's been obvious that she didn't want to talk about it. I suppose it is bad memories for her."I sighed. "You know, I actually can't remember much of my childhood." Matthieu laughed. "You worry too much! Neither can I!" "Occasionally I have faint memories of a pleasant young woman and a man, in what seems to be a big house, but I can't remember fully." I dismissed it with an embarrassed shrug." Ah, just some fanciful imagining! Anyway, now that I am married with a family of my own and live in a separate village I see even less of my grandmother. I reread the letter. "She seems desperate to see me. She's sounds very insistent!" I sighed. "So I suppose I'd better go and see her. Maybe tomorrow? Look, you should be able to manage unless we get a horde of new guests. I'll prepare a big pot of soup tonight and some stew. I'll have to walk so I'll be away most of the day." My grandmother lived in a small village a distance away but I was able to beg a ride for most of the journey on a local carrier on a farm wagon and that saved me about two hours walk. "And how are Matthieu and the girls? "My grandmother asked after she embraced me and I had taken off my cloak. Aunt Josee was there too and likewise embraced me. I gave her a report and she nodded satisfactorily. "I suppose you are wondering why I sent for you?" "Yes, Grandmother." "Well you see, I'm getting old and I have some family things that I want to be taken care of. I think you would be the best for it. I felt a bit out-of-sorts the other day and that made me think of the future. But first, let me tell you a little history, maybe some family secrets. My mother, your great grandmother, about a century ago, came into the possession of a small book that is rather.... special." I wondered at her conspiratorial tone. "She gave it to me before she died. In turn I'd have given it to your mother but she died some years ago. Your aunt here might logically have been the next one, but she has no daughters and I want this to be passed down through the female line. Josee agrees." I got an encouraging smile from Aunt Josee."What's so special about this book? It's a good thing I can read." The old woman gave a smile. Her face was lined but I thought that when she was younger she would have been a striking woman. In turn, she was studying me, intently. "Berthe, you're young and very pretty. You've kept your beauty too. I see you looking at me." She sighed. "Yes, I was a beauty once too, but eighty years has taken its toll. There have been tears, but fun too. Anyway, here's what I wanted you to have." She fumbled in a bag and lifted out a small book. "I want you to have this, " and she handed it to me. Puzzled, I took the book and examined it. It did not look like much. It had a worn yellowish hide cover. I opened it to have look, a bit distastefully, as the book was dirty, stained and worn. I flipped through the pages. Some were grubby and stained. Most had worn edges. It was dark in the cottage and I had to peer at the writing. I shook my head. "It looks like it has a mixture of languages. It's a real jumble of words! I recognized some Spanish, and someone has written comments in French above these. "Translations, is it?" I held it up to the light from a small window and peered at it more closely. "It looks like many of the words are in our usual alphabet, but the sounds make no sense! What is it from? I see some French, but the rest?" "Oh, you'll get your tongue around the sounds if you give it a try. It may take a little practice." "What's the book about?" My grandmother cackled. "Well, Berthe, what would you say if I told you it was a book of magic words, spells, if you want." I sat up straighter. "Magic? That's impossible!" I snorted, rather annoyed. I was in no mood to be trifled with. Getting to my grandmother's house and then getting back home would take most of a day and there were many chores waiting for me back at the inn. The old woman took the book back and opened it up, riffling through the pages. "Oh yes, it's magic. If you read these spells, different ones can be used to heal injuries and illnesses. But there's more." She opened it close to the end and pointed to the last pages. "These are very special. They are spells for making a man into a woman or a woman into a man, and even spells to reverse these." I could not believe my ears, but out of politeness I said nothing. "Yes, women hearing the first spell become more beautiful. I used one when I was young. I became a beauty. Look at your aunt here. She too!" I looked at Aunt Josee. She was certainly still a beautiful woman, although with fine lines now developing on her face. She nodded approval to me. "Grandmother, surely you are teasing me!" I finally complained. "Berthe, let me tell you a story. It was about a hundred years ago. A young man was changed by some disreputable people into a beautiful young woman. They did it using this very book. At last the young woman tricked them and got the book for herself. That was my mother. She married a young man. He had been injured earlier and had been healed by another spell from the book. Yes, as well as spells that change men into women and women into men, there are ones for healing and many other things. "She passed on the book to me before she died but earlier she had read the spell to make me a beautiful young woman. I have used the book too, but mainly to heal injuries. You may have heard that I have a reputation as a healer. Yes, and occasionally I used the book to change young men into girls and vice versa." I still shook my head in disbelief but she gave me a quiet smile. "Unfortunately, I am getting old. My time on earth is drawing to a close." She sighed. "And that is nothing the book can fix. So, the book is for you. It is powerful. Be cautious! It could be dangerous, as many people would pay a fortune to get it. I ask that you use it to benefit the sick, ill, wounded and other unfortunates. There may be times too that you can use it to change people, men into women or women into men. Use it for that wisely! "You have girls. In turn, when you think it is time, pass the book on to one of them. If you want you could even make a copy, but unfortunately the book has to be covered with human skin, not particularly accessible." With some misgivings and a lot of distaste I allowed her to push the book back into my hands. As the afternoon was wearing on and I wanted to be home before dark I said my goodbyes to my grandmother and Aunt Josee, dutifully embracing them and made my way back home. I had to walk all of the way and I was tired when I finally got in the inn's door. When Matthieu asked me about my trip I bit my lip and told him about the book. As I expected, Matthieu was skeptical at first. "You are sure she was not tricking you, or pretending?" " I can't think of a reason why she would do that. She seemed very serious." "Maybe you should test it? Did you intend to use it?" I shook my head. "I don't know! It's dangerous! Just supposing the church or other authorities heard about it. They'd confiscate it. I could even be arrested for witchcraft. Still, my grandmother thought it important enough to hide it with me. I 'll see." It was only two days later when two more refugees arrived, two women with young boys. It was a grandmother, her daughter and her two grandsons. The younger woman's face was especially haggard and strained. She told us that both her husband and father had been executed a month prior and, fearing for her own and her sons' safety, had decided to flee. "There is a dreadful man, Egalite Fortier, he calls himself. He is an agent of the Committee of Public Safety and is remorseless in chasing and catching perceived enemies of the revolution, like my father and my husband." She broke into tears. " We are very afraid of him!" The name meant nothing to me. Later, I discussed it with Matthieu. He thought for a bit." I have not heard of this Fortier either, but I know the Committee of Public Safety has many agents." I shook my head. "The woman's deathly afraid. At least they've all dressed sensibly, in worn, even shabby clothing. I see they have two cases with them. At least they had the sense to use old ones too. Oh well, I'll contact Pierre again to see if he is willing to take them to England." The group had only been with us two days when, to my dismay, the older woman, who told me she was the Comtesse de St. Aubin, complained that she was feeling unwell, and soon developed a fever. It was obvious that she could not move easily and soon could not even get out of bed. The Comtesse apologized to me, her voice barely above whisper. "Madame Besancon, I must ask you for your indulgence. I am feeling very ill. I hope I will recover but I do not think it advisable for me to go on a boat." She gave a faint smile. "My daughter-in-law wants to stay with me, but I have insisted she go and with my two grandsons. Their safety is of supreme importance. So I beg you, Madame, if you would please let me stay here until I am recovered. Then I will also take the boat trip. Don't worry, I can pay you." I felt my face flush. "We try to be thrifty, Comtesse, and we have to look after our money, but that's not my worry. It's your own safety, yes, and our own. The longer you're here the more chance there is of you being discovered. It will mean that even as you recover, you must try to stay in the room." "I will certainly do that. Thank you for your indulgence, Madame Besancon." That very night the young mother and her two sons, after tearful embraces with the Comtesse, took the coast road to Pierre and in two days he reported that they were safe in England. I had to check on the Comtesse quite a bit the next week and there seemed to be little improvement. Maybe she was even getting worse. Matthieu asked me about their Comtesse." How is she? She cannot stay here forever!" "I think the Comtesse's condition has become worse." "What if she dies? What would we do with the body?" I sighed. "We would have to bury her secretly. We really should have a priest, but we do not dare let it be known." I had a sudden idea. My grandmother had said that the book had healing spells. I had hidden it away but I unearthed I and sat down under a light, slowly turning the pages and reading the faded writing. I shook my head in astonishment at the purported effects of the series of spells. As my grandmother had said, close to the end of the little book I read the ones that would change men into woman and vice versa, and even reverse the changes. Unfortunately I could only read slowly. I had had little schooling and the words were indistinct. I peered at the pages, trying to sound them out. They made no sense. They were not in any language I knew. Finally I saw one about halfway into the book. 'To heal illnesses', it said. I took a deep breath and called my husband. "Matthieu, See this! It's supposed to cure illnesses. I am going to try this on the Comtesse. It will also be a test of the book." He snorted. "What if it kills her?" "Maybe nothing to lose!" Together we went up to the Comtesse's room. I sniffed the air in distaste. It now had an unpleasant smell of fever. The woman's face was flushed and covered with perspiration. Her brow felt hot. I tried to give her water but the woman was almost unconscious. She was close to dying. I grimaced at Matthieu, "I hope it works, that it's not too late." "I agree, but be careful." I carefully began to read the spell to the figure below her, sounding out the words slowly to avoid stumbling over them. It only took about two minutes and it was as if nothing had happened. I gave a nervous laugh. "So much for that! But my grandmother seemed so sure!" I took a cloth and wiped the woman's brow again. As I did so, it looked as if the colour on her face changed and her struggled breathing became stronger and even. 'Look at that!" whispered Matthieu. The woman was visibly changing. A few minutes previously she had looked fevered and wasted. Now it was as if she was only in a deep sleep. Suddenly her eyes flickered open. The day before they had been dull and clouded. Now they were clear and shining. She even smiled up at us. "Madame Besancon, you look concerned. Oh, what has happened?" She attempted to sit up but I held her. "Comtesse, you have been very ill." I held my hand to her brow. It was cool! "Now I think you are getting much better." "Yes, I feel well." Her face suddenly clouded. "My daughter and my grandchildren, they are gone?" "Yes, they will now be safe in England." "Then God be praised!" Yes, and praise Matthieu, me, and my brother-in law, I thought. "How do you feel, Comtesse?" IBy her appearance Ireally did not have to ask and when I suggested some food she agreed enthusiastically. I was busy with my family and the inn business most of the rest of that day, but in the evening I had some time to sit down. "So how is the patient now?" Matthieu asked. "It's time she was away from here. It's too risky." "She's actually eating a little now so I think in a day or so." In fact. by the next day the Comtesse was back on her feet and quickly regaining strength. I even started to feel less concerned. She would soon b e away from us. Then, a few days later, a man rode up on a horse to the inn. He dismounted, tied his horse at the rail outside and pushed into the inn. He was dark clad and his features were hidden under a broad hat set with a tricolor rosette. I felt his ominous presence as he entered the inn but I pretended there was nothing out of the ordinary. "Good evening, Monsieur! You are looking for lodging?" "We now use the titles 'citoyen' and 'citoyenne'," he snapped. "Yes, Citoyenne, a room, just to myself and I need a meal too, as quickly as possible." He took off his hat revealing pale features with cold pale blue eyes and blonde hair. The inn was not too busy and I was aware of him scrutinizing me through half closed eyes and I even felt myself shiver slightly. "Your name, Citoyen?" I asked. "The authorities require that I have it." "It is Fortier. I am Liberte Fortier." I must have looked surprised. " I had another name, but I took Liberte. I was inspired by our glorious revolution. You know its slogan?" So this was the notorious Liberte Fortier, I thought. I would have to be extremely careful. "I had heard, monsieur. "Liberte, egalite and fraternite. These are wonderful concepts. I will show you to a room, Citoyen. As soon as you are ready you may comedown for a meal." When I served him supper he leaned back on his chair and studied me. almost insolently, I thought. "So, Citoyenne, you have been running the inn here a while?" "Yes, Citoyen Fortier, my husband and I bought it about ten years ago, just after we were married." "Then you will be familiar with all of the people in this village. The fishermen especially?" I liked neither his tone nor his questioning, but I forced myself not to react. "Most of them, but people come and go." "I see you are close to the stop for the coach from Rouen. You will see passengers as they alight. No doubt some stay at your inn?" "Yes, there are a few," I said carefully. I wondered what he was leading up to. "You see, Citoyenne, there are some of the former regime and their helpers, and those who wish to betray the revolution and who try to escape. I have heard that this is one of the ports they use to hire boats to get to England." "Oh, Citoyen, I have not noticed any." I shook my head. "The inn keeps my husband and I much too busy. Now can I get you another drink? Some ale, or perhaps a glass of wine?" When I brought some wine back he caught my arm. "Sit down here, Citoyenne. I have some questions for you." I winced at his firm grip but this man was too menacing and I did not dare protest. "I advise you to be truthful, Citoyenne. I am asking because I am concerned for the safety of the villagers, like you and your husband Matthieu. The revolutionary authorities will take a harsh view of those who help possible emigres." I forced myself not to show any reaction. "Yes, we will hunt down root out enemies of the revolution. I have heard that some of these have escaped from here. I have more helpers coming soon and we will be able to search the village better. Those villagers who can help us will be looked on favorably. Otherwise?" His meaning was clear but I looked at him with as innocent a look as I could muster. "I am sure, Citoyen Fortier, that all of us are enthusiastic supporters of the revolution. I cannot conceive of betraying it." With that I left him to his drink while I went to wash the dishes. The man was cunning and dangerous with his implied threats and I was trembling when I thought of the Comtesse upstairs. All of us would need to be very careful that he did not discover her. More than ever, I would have to get her away as soon as possible. I studied Fortier from the kitchen as he sat primly at the table, alone. The local fishermen had also sensed his menace and had withdrawn from him. He was nursing a flagon of wine and had already finished a bottle. When I told Matthieu about our new guest he sucked in his breath. "This is dangerous." "We will be all right if we keep our heads. The two must never meet." The other room was getting warmer and I watched as Fortier stood up, removed his cloak and hat and brushed back his hair. I saw he was very fair haired and it struck my mind there was something familiar about him but I could not out my finger on it. When I had a little time I went upstairs to the Comtesse's room and knocked gently on the door. When it was opened I slid in quickly. "Madame, I have to warn you, there is an agent of the revolution below in the inn, sitting at a table. He says his name is Fortier. Liberte Fortier. I think he may be looking for the likes of you." The Comtesse's hand went to her mouth. "Yes, I know that devil," she hissed. "He is a monster, ruthless, fanatic and savage. It was him who denounced my husband and my son and had them arrested. He spoke against them at their trials and it was his lies and wickedness that caused their deaths. He has been responsible for many other deaths too. He is a confidant of that Robespierre, another devil." She began to cry and I held up my hands to quiet her. "Shhh! Don't let him hear! No, you will be all right! He does not suspect you are here and I will keep him away from this part of the inn. Also, I will bring your meals to you and I will put a note on the door that you have a fever. Comtesse, you will have to keep rigorously out of sight and you will have to leave as soon as possible. How do you feel now?" "I feel much stronger, Madame Besancon. Two more days should do it." The next two days I was on edge but, as the Comtesse had said, she was soon well recovered and moving easily with little discomfort. Unfortunately Fortier had noticed that there was another guest at the inn. "Citoyenne, you have someone in a room upstairs. "Who is it?" So he had noticed! I just shrugged casually. "It's an old woman, one of the guests at the inn. She came from just along the coast. Unfortunately she has developed a fever that is going around. A very infectious one, I have heard, so I keep her isolated." When Fortier tossed back his fair hair and stared at me with his cold blue eyes. I suddenly remembered how fair the Comtesse's hair was, just as fair as Fortier's. Fortier's hair was moderately long and an idea began to grow in my mind. I had another surprise. My grandmother sent word that she would like to visit us in two days. I knew she was not able to walk the distance and fortunately we were able to arrange for her to travel on a farm cart driven by a neighbor. I dutifully kissed her and embraced her after she slowly climbed down from the cart. "Grandmother, welcome, but I am surprised!" "Well, I feel the days harder and harder on me and I thought I should see my granddaughter and my great-granddaughters one last time." She looked round the inn with approval. This looks prosperous. I am glad to see you doing well. Now, what have you been doing since I saw you last?" She grinned. "You haven't used the book yet, have you? "Well, grandmother, I think I'm frightened of it, but I have used it actually, already." She looked taken aback. "So soon? I hope it was important." I told her about curing a woman's fever, but said no more about who had used it on. "That's good that you cured her! It makes me very happy that the book is now yours and you are using it for good purposes but make sure you are careful with it." I took a deep breath."Grandmother, I think I may have another use for it.To use one of the special spells." "Oh, what is that?" Just then Fortier came in and strode right to me. He ignored my grandmother completely. "Citoyenne, I am expecting my helper, he's called Henri Masdin, and some soldiers to arrive in two days. They will help me search for all enemies of the revolution and, " he stared at me, "those who help them. "Now, I know that you have other guests so Masdin can share with me. The soldiers can all bed down in another room. " With that he abruptly turned and left us. I turned back to my grandmother to see her trembling. "Grandmother, what is it? You look upset! You'd better sit down!" "Who was that man?" she whispered. "His name is Liberte Fortier. He is an agent of the Committee of Public Safety. He has come here looking for refugees. Why?" "Oh, it's just that .....he reminded me of someone." But she seemed to stop and think. I was puzzled when she just waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, it was just that his pushing his way in like that gave me a shock. How rude he was! Now you said you might have a use for the book?" I took a deep breath. " Maybe I was careless. I don't think he heard anything but let's go though to our own private part of the inn." I led her through and sat her down by the fire. "First, Grandmother I should warn you, the woman I cured is actually a refugee, a comtesse no less. Her husband and son were executed recently and she is concerned for the safety of her remaining family, and her own life. They were intending to escape to England and fortunately her daughter-in-law and grandsons have been able to get away already on a boat but she took ill and could not travel. Now that I have cured her she can get on her way. Matthieu's brother will take her to England soon. " But grandmother, that man upset you. Why is that?" I asked My grandmother only shook her head. "Later, perhaps." Obviously she did not want to talk about it and I decided to leave it for another day. "Grandmother, I must say I am glad you are here. I need your advice and your help. When I used a spell on the Comtesse to cure her of a fever, I must say it showed it is very effective, very rapid in its effect. Now, you said one of the spells can change men into women. Does that one still work?" "It has done so in the past," said her grandmother, looking at me steadily. " And it makes men into very attractive women. I can vouch for that." "And it works for any age?" "Yes, children, youth, older people, except that it is a strong spell. Older people can die from its effects. After all, it causes enormous changes in a body. It is a drastic change." I thought of my own woman's body and that of Matthieu. We had made love the previous night. How different men and woman's bodies were, I thought, yet so wonderfully suited to meld with each other. "Let me tell you what I want it for, grandmother. You see, that man Fortier has a very fair complexion. I have noticed that the Comtesse is also very fair and with blue eyes too. "Despite his 'angelic' blue eyes and his blond hair that Fortier is a bad man! He is sinister. He exudes evil. "I shook my head slowly. "You know, it's as if I have seen him before. He reminds me of something." I grinned sheepishly ."Ah, my imagination sometimes get's the better of me. Don't look at me that way, grandmother." I chided. I was a little puzzled by the calculating way she was looking at me. "Anyway, the Comtesse needs to escape. So I had thought of using that spell to changing Fortier into a woman, and disguising him as her. Now, he has just told me that his assistant will be here in a day or so with soldiers. That is very lucky. So they can arrest her. The real Comtesse can escape all the more easily." My grandmother's eyes twinkled merrily and a broad and wide smile broke over her face. "My dearest granddaughter, that is very devious, but it would indeed poetic justice. I like it! Yes, I want to help you. In fact I insist on it." I could hardly believe her enthusiasm. That evening I went to the Comtesse in her room. "You look well now and I think you are ready to go. My oldest daughter Anne will lead you to my brother's house, along the coast," I whispered. "He can shelter you until your are completely ready. But first, I ask you. Do you have any spare clothing, the finer and higher quality the better?" "Yes? What do you need it for?" "You must give me some of it. It is for a deception." " But it is expensive!" "Comtesse, the deception is necessary, to help throw your enemies of the track. It may be your life or it!" The comtesse sighed and pointed to a case. "Yes, take what's in there." she sighed. "You are right. I suppose I cannot carry it along to your brother-in-law's village anyway." I opened the case. As she had said, it was beautiful clothing. I was glad the woman had had the sense not to wear it. There were at least two fine silk gowns and fine petticoats, other underwear, stockings and shoes. It was just what I needed. I rummaged further. "Aha," I exclaimed. "You have corsets there too. Excellent!" Later, I went to see Fortier in his room. It helped that he had it all to himself and the inn was not busy. "So Citoyen Fortier, "how goes your hunt for enemies of the revolution?" "You should not make light of it, Citoyenne." "I'm sorry, Citoyen Fortier. Anyway, I've brought you a bottle of brandy, compliments of the house. May you be successful in hunting down enemies of the revolution." I passed him the bottle and a glass. His eyes lit up and he uncorked it and took a swallow directly from the bottle. "Ah, a good brandy." "Of course, Citoyen. The revolution needs the support of all." I took the glass, poured just a little into it and raised it. "To the Revolution," I cried and took a sip. Fortier took another swallow from the bottle. "Then I will leave you, Citoyen Fortier. I am sure you have work to do." I gestured to his desk, covered in papers. "Yes, it is a report. Also it is a list of the enemies of the revolution. There is a Comtesse and her daughter-in-law who have fled. I especially want to catch them. I have heard they were headed this way. Let me know if you see them. There will be two boys as well." "I will certainly let you know, Citoyen. But you are vigilant and determined. I am sure you will discover her sooner than I will." I gave him another hour and went to listen at the door to his room. There was only steady snoring. When I checked in the room he was sprawled across the bed, still clothed. I tiptoed upstairs and knocked at the Comtesse's room, "Madame, you should hurry and get on your way very soon. I will warn you when it is safe. There is a half moon and you will be able to see the path well, but I will send Anne with you to help. God speed! Soon you will be with your daughter-in-law and your grandsons." "I will be ready, Madame Besancon." When I listened at the door Fortier was obviously still snoring and I went up to the Comtesse. "Comtesse, that agent of the revolution who was looking for you, I've got him drunk and asleep. You should be on your way! You have a warm cloak?" The Comtesse actually embraced me. "Thank you for your help." I watched her on her way then went to my grandmother. "Grandmother, I think I am ready. Do you have the book?" "Yes, right here. Oh, this will be so enjoyable". I wondered at the old woman's eagerness to help in my plan. In the room Fortier was still sprawled on the bed. My stomach was fluttering in my nervousness and for some reason my grandmother was trembling too. When I held out my hand for the book she shook her head, "I want to be the one to do this, Berthe. It will have special meaning for me." I watched as she first stared down at Fortier, then opened the book and began to read one of the spells, enunciating each word carefully. It did not take long for her to read it. We had a bad a bad moment when Fortier turned over and grunted. His eyes flickered at my grandmother, unfocussed, but in seconds he was back into his drunken sleep. "What now, grandmother?" I whispered. "It will take a minute or two. Just wait." To my surprise she spat on him. "You don't like him? Well, I suppose, neither do I! These were strange words you spoke!" My grandmother thought for a few seconds. "Yes, I have no idea what each actually says or where the book came from. There are scribbles in Arabic and Spanish and French, but my own mother, her name was Marie, told me nothing of it." She raised her eyebrows. "I think there was some underhand, maybe dishonest work involved. Occasionally she let things slip but she would never talk about it directly, or even anything of when she was young." I read some of the sounds from the spell and sounded them quietly. "You know, in a way these ... it's as if I have heard something like them before? But when could that have been?" My grandmother looked at me, her lips tightening, as if she was about to say something but we were interrupted by some grunts from the figure below and we leaned over to check. He turned over but nothing else appeared to be happening. I started nibbling my lip in tension. "Just wait," my grandmother whispered. "It will work. I'm certain." It actually took another five minutes then it was as if Fortier gave a small shiver. My grandmother let her breath out in a huge sigh of relief. "Ah, it's started working. He will shiver quite a bit more and become unconscious while the spell does its work." As she said, it was followed by another stronger shiver and again Fortier's eyes opened briefly and he cried out. In seconds even stronger shivers took him so that he jerked almost fully awake, his eyes rolling. He tried to rise up but fell back, shivering continuously. The shivers changed to almost continuous shaking and he sank unconscious. "That's it now," said my grandmother. " It's well underway. The rest will take time. Now, we will have to undress him. Why don't you call in Matthieu to help, but keep quiet!" "That's no problem. We have no other guests tonight so we don't have to hurry." With some effort we all lifted the shaking figure upstairs and into the room that the Comtesse had used. We laid Fortier on her bed and began to undress him, his coat, waistcoat, shirt, and trousers until he was naked. "This isn't easy, " M