I tell you, from his
large blue eyes such a spell shot through my eyes into my heart, that
terrified I let foil my arm and was unable to do any thing to the
rascal. A long time after, wishing to rest myself a little, I perceived
him still in his black garments like a dark cloud between the
combatants, wandering through flame and smoke and over the slain,
perfectly collected and as if no one could do him harm. I think he is
gone into the burning church and will probably be burned there."

Edmond awoke from his dreams to life again at this fearful recital.
"Thus, does the guest requite," said he to himself, "the hopeful son of
the friend, of thy youth. Is not that called love for love? Now I am no
longer indebted to thee for thy hospitable reception."

"Hollo! hollo!" shouted Christophe wildly. "Our brethren yonder are
bringing the sacrificing priest of Baal. So much the better, he shall
be slain here before the eyes of the all seeing God."

Edmond cast a withering glance on the wretch, then looked down and
recognised already close beneath him the pastor bound, whom Favart, the
swarthy Eustace and other Camisards were dragging up. "Here we bring
the knave dear brethren," exclaimed Favart, just as they gained a firm
footing on the level rock, and dragged up the old man with cords.

When the exhausted priest was drawn up, he cast such a look of
lassitude, pity, and resignation to the will of heaven on the youth,
that the hair of the latter stood on end with terror. "God greet you
with your booty!" roared he to Favart and Eustace, "but woe to him
among you, who approaches the old man even by a look, for such a one
will I tear with my teeth." Favart and Eustace stepped back, turning
pale, and Edmond loosened himself the cords of the venerable man, then
pressed him in his arms, laid his grey head upon his throbbing breast,
and a convulsive sobbing prevented all utterance and restrained his
tears. "Why," said the aged man, "should I alone remain of all the
rest? the poor shepherd, whose flock they have slaughtered?" "What is
that?" vociferated Christophe, stammering with rage; "will they rob us
of our property that we have purchased with our blood? we have left
gold and silver to be consumed in the burning churches, but the life of
the idolater is our booty. And who will take it from us? A coward, who
without drawing a sword, here safe in the distance, has contemplated
our life endangering labour. Away with that! Apostates a