ns of Jehu were too
aristocratic to make use of any other light) and cast their reflection
upon stands of arms of all kinds, among which double-barrelled muskets
and pistols held first place. Foils and masks were hanging here and
there upon the walls; several musical instruments were lying about,
and a few mirrors in gilt frames proclaimed the fact that dress was a
pastime by no means unappreciated by the strange inhabitants of that
subterranean dwelling.

They all seemed as tranquil as though the news which had drawn Morgan
from Amelie's arms was unknown to them, or considered of no importance.

Nevertheless, when the little group from outside approached, and the
words: "The captain! the captain!" were heard, all rose, not with the
servility of soldiers toward their approaching chief, but with the
affectionate deference of strong and intelligent men for one stronger
and more intelligent than they.

Then Morgan shook his head, raised his eyes, and, passing before
Montbar, advanced to the centre of the circle which had formed at his
appearance, and said:

"Well, friends, it seems you have had some news."

"Yes, captain," answered a voice; "the police of the First Consul does
us the honor to be interested in us."

"Where is the messenger?" asked Morgan.

"Here," replied a young man, wearing the livery of a cabinet courier,
who was still covered with mud and dust.

"Have you any despatches?"

"Written, no, verbal, yes."

"Where do they come from?"

"The private office of the minister of police."

"Can they be trusted?"

"I'll answer for them; they are positively official."

("It's a good thing to have friends everywhere," observed Montbar,
parenthetically.)

"Especially near M. Fouche," resumed Morgan; "let us hear the news."

"Am I to tell it aloud, or to you privately?"

"I presume we are all interested, so tell it aloud."

"Well, the First Consul sent for citizen Fouche at the Louvre, and
lectured him on our account."

"Capital! what next?"

"Citizen Fouche replied that we were clever scamps, very difficult to
find, and still more difficult to capture when we had been found, in
short, he praised us highly."

"Very amiable of him. What next?"

"Next, the First Consul replied that that did not concern him, that we
were brigands, and that it was our brigandage which maintained the war
in Vendee, and that the day we ceased sending money to Brittany there
would be no more Brittany."

"Excellen