eplied Roland, who had recognized an ecclesiastic,
"as, in spite of the sharp tone in which you speak, you seem a man of
learning, permit a poor ignoramus to ask you a few details about this
Jehu, dead these two thousand six hundred years, who, nevertheless, is
honored by followers bearing his name."

"Jehu!" replied the churchman, in the same sour tone, "was a King of
Israel anointed by Elisha, on condition that he punish the crimes of the
house of Ahab and Jezbel, and put to death the priests of Baal."

"Monsieur l'Abbe," replied the young man laughing, "I thank you for the
explanation. I don't doubt it is correct, and, above all, very learned.
But I must admit it doesn't tell me much."

"What, citizen!" exclaimed the abbe, "don't you understand that Jehu
is his Majesty Louis XVIII., anointed on condition that he punish the
crimes of the Revolution and put to death all the priests of Baal; that
is to say, all those who had taken any part whatsoever in the abominable
state of things which, for these last seven years, has been called the
republic?"

"Yes, indeed!" exclaimed the young man; "of course I understand. But
among those whom the Companions of Jehu are appointed to fight, do
you reckon the brave soldiers who have repulsed the enemy along the
frontiers of France, and the illustrious generals who have commanded the
armies of the Tyrol, the Sambre-and-Meuse, and of Italy?"

"Why, beyond doubt, those foremost and before all."

The young man's eyes flashed lightning; his nostrils quivered and his
lips tightened. He rose from his chair, but his comrade touched his coat
and forced him to sit down again, while with a single glance he silenced
him. Then he who had thus given proof of his power, speaking for the
first time, addressed the young man of the table d'hote.

"Citizen, excuse two travellers who are just arrived from the end of the
earth, from America, or India as it were. Absent from France these last
two years; we are completely ignorant of all that has occurred here, and
most desirous to obtain information."

"Why, as to that," replied the young man, to whom these words were
addressed, "that is but fair, citizen. Question us and we will answer
you."

"Well," continued the dark young man with the eagle eye, the straight
black hair, and the granite complexion, "now that I know who Jehu is,
and to what end his company was instituted, I should like to know what
his companions do with the money they take.