very country this self-same miserable farce was repeated.
They would willingly have lent me their aid, confided in me, probably
have loved me, had I but possessed this so called religion. The foolish
virtue of my probity was lost sight of, that I would pretend to none,
even to the very best of them. A few marriages which were almost
decided upon with me, were broken off for the same cause. It did not
fare better with me in other quarters of the world; thus am I become an
old man, thus am I become a villain, and I returned, to revenge myself
on my beloved countrymen, and on my friends. Then you came and spoiled
the thing with me: just, you yourself! strange enough!"

"How so?" asked Edmond excited.

"Come let us go," said the stranger, "we ought to seek our comrades
again."

They arose and walked as chance directed through mountain and wood.
When they ascended higher, they observed a thick smoke advancing
towards them, blackening the heavens with dark clouds. A distant cry
directed their steps. As they proceeded, they beheld on the summit of
the mountain a number of rebels moving hurriedly to and fro. When
Edmond approached he thought he recognised Roland. It was he too, but
before he was able to advance towards the leader, a young man rushed
with a terrific shout, to meet him. "Brother!" exclaimed he,
interrupted by sobs and rage, "brother, all is over! The incendiaries
have rendered thee for ever unhappy."

It was difficult for Edmond to recognise his young friend Vila. "What
is the matter with thee? whence comest thou?" asked he at length,
amazed.

"I am now one of yours!" exclaimed Vila: "I have not been able to
govern my heart, since I beheld the affliction of our people. Yes, I
will assist you to annihilate, to murder, to tear to pieces these
murderous slaves, which, to the shame of all created beings, bear but
the figures of men." When Edmond desired to question, to gain some
information, Vila drew him higher up the mountain, and the youth stood
again above, and looked down, as on that night, upon his father's
garden and house; but the house was in ruins, the fire was still raging
through the apartments, and thick columns of smoke arose, between which
was seen a consuming glow, that frequently sent red streams sideways
and upwards; shepherds and peasants stood beneath, many were gazing
fixedly on the spectacle, some seeking powerless help and deliverance.

"Where is my father?" exclaimed Edmond, when he had