e!"

"This is a serious charge," said Justice Claiborne, evidently impressed
with its truth, and prepared to entertain it. "Your name, sir, if you
please?" continued he, interrogating D'Hauteville, in a mild tone of
voice.

It was the first time I had seen D'Hauteville in the full light of day.
All that had yet passed between us had taken place either in the
darkness of night or by the light of lamps. That morning alone had we
been together for a few minutes by daylight; but even then it was under
the sombre shadow of the woods--where I could have but a faint view of
his features.

Now that he stood in the light of the open window, I had a full, clear
view of his face. The resemblance to some one I had seen before again
impressed me. It grew stronger as I gazed; and before the magistrate's
interrogatory had received its reply, the shock of my astonishment had
passed.

"Your name, sir, if you please?" repeated the justice.

"_Eugenie Besancon_!"

At the same instant the hat was pulled off--the black curls were drawn
aside--and the fair, golden tresses of the beautiful Creole exhibited to
the view.

A loud huzza broke out--in which all joined, excepting Gayarre and his
two or three ruffian adherents. I felt that I was free.

The conditions had suddenly changed, and the plaintiff had taken the
place of the defendant. Even before the excitement had quieted down, I
saw the sheriff, at the instigation of Reigart and others, stride
forward to Gayarre, and placing his hand upon the shoulder of the
latter, arrest him as his prisoner.

"It is false!" cried Gayarre; "a plot--a damnable plot! These documents
are forgeries! the signatures are false--false!"

"Not so, Monsieur Gayarre," said the justice, interrupting him. "Those
documents are not forgeries. This is the handwriting of Auguste
Besancon. I knew him well. This is his signature--I could myself swear
to it."

"And I!" responded a voice, in a deep solemn tone, which drew the
attention of all.

The transformation of Eugene D'Hauteville to Eugenie Besancon had
astonished the crowd; but a greater surprise awaited them in the
resurrection of the _steward Antoine_!

Reader! my story is ended. Here upon our little drama must the curtain
drop. I might offer you other tableaux to illustrate the after history
of our characters, but a slight summary must suffice. Your fancy will
supply the details.

It will glad you to know, then, that Eugenie Besanc