To-morrow morning we will come back to
fetch the chariot: now, forward, march!--and it is time, for I am nearly
frozen to death."
The comedians accordingly started across the fields, towards the
friendly light that promised them so much--Isabelle supported by de
Sigognac, Serafina by Leander, and the duenna dragged along by Scapin;
while Blazius and the tyrant formed the advance guard. It was not easy
work; sometimes plunging into deep snow, more than knee high, as they
came upon a ditch, hidden completely under the treacherously smooth
white surface, or stumbling, and even falling more than once, over
some unseen obstacle; but at length they came up to what seemed to be a
large, low building, probably a farm-house, surrounded by stone walls,
with a big gate for carts to enter. In the expanse of dark wall before
them shone the light which had guided their steps, and upon approaching
they found that it proceeded from a small window, whose shutters--most
fortunately for them, poor, lost wanderers--had not yet been closed. The
dogs within the enclosure, perceiving the approach of strangers, began
to bark loudly and rush about the yard; they could hear them jumping
up at the walls in vain efforts to get at the intruders. Presently the
sound of a man's voice and footsteps mingled with their barking, and in
a moment the whole establishment seemed to be on the alert.
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